Heather Whitaker, developmental reading staff member, is hosting a Sinclair Talks session on anxiety and finals on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Whitaker will be discussing anxiety, prevention of the anxiety and ways to deal with anxiety.
“The presentation is all PowerPoint where I will first talk about anxiety and the symptoms, coping strategies and then move into different test taking strategies,” Whitaker said.
After talking about anxiety, Whitaker will discuss how to plan for a test effectively by being prepared, planning ahead and getting enough sleep.
“I hope that after this presentation, students will be less anxious,” Whitaker said. “I would hope they use the strategies I talk about to help them.”
Whitaker is also planning on passing out peppermints for anyone who attends the talk.
“I usually have an article that proves that peppermints can be soothing for anxiety,” Whitaker said.
This specific anxiety and finals session is a gentle reminder to those who are stressing out about upcoming finals and tests.
“In the midst of your anxiety it is best to breathe deeply and calm yourself,” Whitaker said. “If you have to, flip the test you are taking over and give yourself a minute to gather your thoughts.”
The session is free of charge and will be held in Building 2 Room 334, starting a noon and ending at 1 p.m.
Peter Bolmida, project manager of Student and Academic Support Services, said that the Sinclair Talks series first started in the fall of 2011.
“During quarters we did 10,” Bolmida said. “This Fall Semester we [had] 37 to 38 scheduled.”
Sinclair Talks are said to increase for the upcoming Spring Semester to over 70.
The topics presented at each session are determined by suggestions of those who attended previously.
“At the end of each talk we pass out surveys and take suggestions for upcoming,” Bolmida said.
This coming Spring Semester, Sinclair Talks is going to have a contest on Facebook to see who can come up with the best topic to talk about.
Students can like ‘Sinclair Talks’ Facebook at www.facebook.com/sinclairtalks and the person who comes up with the best topic will win an iPod.
To find out when the next Sinclair Talks is visit Sinclair.edu/talks. To submit your own idea for a future Sinclair Talks, email Bolmida at peter.bolmida@sinclair.edu.