Stress Is Something That Many People Have Experienced Throughout Their Lifetime

Melissa Gonzalez

Professor Cormier

English 110

8 March 2017

Stress

Living in a fast-paced society stress is part of people’s daily lifestyle. Stress is a natural response of our body to react to new challenges or when getting out of our comfort zone. One of the major reasons stress can be part of people’s day to day living is because of the lack of responsibility.  For instance, students are under a great amount of pressure, so it is common for them to be exposed to stressful situations; especially returning students. Mature students, who are interested in pursuing an education, have a lot of responsibilities in their daily routine. Attending college can be time-consuming for them, and at a certain point they can overload themselves with too much work. Many factors can cause stress in mature students while trying to pursue an education.

Some of the primary sources that causes stress among returning students are social stressors. Some good examples are financial problems, time management, work issues, and family responsibilities. Mature students have a lot of expenses. They might have to pay electricity bills, water bills, transportation, self-care, and probably a mortgage. Adding more expenditures to their list can cause them significant stress. College can become expensive; for example, adult students are expected to pay for their books, materials, college tuition, and fees. Also, time-management can provoke tension in returning students. Students might feel the day is not long enough to get their obligations done. Older students must set their priorities, they must use their free time wisely, and they might need to balance their time right. Students should avoid procrastination because that is one of the major causes of stress among students. Grown-up students frequently have family to provide to, so they might get tense while looking for childcare options and taking care of their household. Moreover, returning students are frequently employed, and balancing school and their job can become challenging. Another stressor that might affect many older students is that they might feel they do not fit in with younger students, or they might consider themselves out of practice in their classes.

        In addition, stress can have positive and negative effects on returning students. Some of the positive effects stress has on mature students is that it can be a motivation for personal growth. They are attending college for reason to get their degree and to get paid a better salary. Also, stress can improve their intelligence, and it helps returning students to focus in their main goal and achieve it. Otherwise, stress can have negative effects when it becomes excessive. Mature students might think that college is a waste of time and that it interferes with their personal life. Thus, they can become anxious and depressed. Mature students might think the best choice is to drop-out of college. They might think it is the easy way out of the stress they are being exposed to. On the other hand, I have been in stressful circumstances before as many other people.

        Ever since I can remember, I have been stressed-out about school. Personally, college has been one of my most stressful moments. I am not stressed out because of the courses or assignments. The most stressful concern that I have is the financial problems. Because I did my high school education in a foreign country, I am considered as an out of state student. My college tuition and fees are very high. Fortunately, I received financial aid that covers most of my bills, but not all of it. I must buy my own books and materials I need. I usually get very stressed by overthinking my situation. I am learning to control my own thoughts by getting physically active, and let life take its course. Even though stress is part of my daily life, I do not let it take control of myself nor my actions.  Additionally, this experience has made me a more mature, responsible person, and my priority is to reach my educational goals.