By Scott Roblin

Exam pressure eased at Medicine Hat College

Apr 18, 2017 | 5:46 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s the time of year all students dread, as exam season is well underway at Medicine Hat College.

With stress levels reaching their peak for students across all programs, the College is taking steps through their counselling program to make exam week as smooth as possible.

Criminal justice student Shaelyn Holdaway said they’re doing what they can individually to prepare for final exams.

“All week for the past couple weeks we’ve been having study groups, so everybody in the program has been getting together,” Holdaway said. “We’ve been making flash cards, we’ve been doing little things here and there to manage it.”

Young minds, big ideas: Elementary students learn about urban planning with 'Box City'

11h ago

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

MHC’s counselling program has seen a massive spike, with a 42% increase in appointment requests compared to the 2015-16 school year.

Mental Health Specialist Tobi Ceh said students are becoming more aware of the minimal cost of the program.

“Counselling is generally in the community of $170 to $190 an hour, students get it for free here,” Ceh said. “And, we can’t just measure the impact of a counselling session. I think we need to measure the impact of a whole culture of mental wellness, and how that promotes students talking to other students.”

A big reason for the jump in counselling numbers has been mental health initiatives such as ‘Bell Let’s Talk Day’ which has helped erase some of the stigma towards mental illness and mental well being.

Education student Devin Simon said most of the student body is buying into maintaining strong mental health.

“I think it’s a big thing,” Simon said. “I mean I’m on the student association as well. We really do focus on giving students the best chance to have access to these mental health resources.”

Eleven local churches also banded together to provide snacks and drinks to students over the next two weeks.

More than anything, Ceh adds it’s vital to speak to a classmate, instructor, or counsellor if you’re struggling.

“To share the story lessens the load,” she said. “So, if they can find someone to talk to, especially someone who maybe has gone through what they are going through or who can help them understand their experience, they can experience a relief in stress.”

Students interested in utilizing MHC’s counselling services can book appointments by calling 403-529-3819.