Finding Calm in the Finals Chaos

My chest used to tighten every time I walked into the library during finals week.

I would sit staring at notes, heart racing, feeling like I was drowning in

deadlines. Then I discovered something that changed everything. I started taking

five minute breathing breaks. Just focusing on my breath. It sounds simple,

but it pulled me back every time. I stopped studying alone and joined

a group where we would check in on each other. One girl shared

she felt the same crushing weight. I did not feel alone anymore. I learned that

reaching out to counseling was not defeat, but fighting for myself.