Shaking It Up: Finals Season at Smith

Smith student Philip Peker ’18 talked with some students about their Smith experience as the semester ends. Photos by Josh Loock.

And just like that, its finals week at UMD. While classes are done and professors are retreating to their offices to begin the long-haul of grading final work, the Smith Undergraduate Staff makes sure to not leave its students in the dark. For one of its final events of the semester, the Smith Undergraduate Program invited students to a milkshake study break session, called Smith Shakes, during which students also had the opportunity to write thank-you notes to their professors. Supplies were going quickly as a constant stream of students washed throughout Van Munching Hall.

Smith Shakes serves as both a mental break and a time for reflection. I went around and talked to students about a range of topics relating to the Smith experience. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Eric Augustino, Senior Double Major in Accounting and Finance, Minor in Actuarial Mathematics:

“Any teacher can read from PowerPoint slides, and give you an exam from a test bank. But Smith teachers are passionate. They are passionate about what they are teaching, and they are passionate about their students succeeding, and it shows. From the extra office hours they hold, to helping you find your way in your career, Smith professors care, and I am forever grateful.”

Brett Panaccione, Junior, Double Major in Marketing and Supply Chain:

“Find a home in the business school. Whether it’s a club, an organization, an honors program, or a business fraternity, find your people. As a transfer student, coming into the school was pretty scary, but when I found a group I really connected with, I felt like I finally belonged.”

Jacob Lapidus, Sophomore, Finance Major:

“Finals time can get pretty hectic. A piece of advice I give people is to take an hour a day to relax. Whether that’s watching TV, hanging out with friends, or picking up your guitar, take time to reboot.”

Brett Weidemeyer, Junior, Double Major in Finance and Economics:

“When it comes to final exams, don’t try to cram the night before. Plan ahead, and use all your resources, from your notes, to lecture slides, to even your professor those extra questions that are bugging you.”

Meredith Soule, Senior, Double Major in Marketing and Supply Chain:

“Take advantage of study spaces in Van Munching Hall. I like to study in the room that my final exam will take place so I feel more relaxed when I actually take the exam.”

It has been a densely-packed, rich semester here at Smith, and what better way to top it off than with a milkshake party.