Two seniors graduating in May have come to a point near the end of their college careers that they never planned on. With the economic crisis on hand, an added element of stress may be affecting their health and their opportunities to find jobs after graduation.

Sara King, senior in communication studies, and Chase Holien, senior in civil engineering, both said the recent state of the economy has in some way impacted their stress levels.

Although the economy factor doesn’t necessarily directly affect her stress level, King said, it does have an impact.

“I don’t know if it necessarily adds more stress, but it goes along with other things I’m concerned about right now,” King said. “Trying to find a job adds more pressure.”

King is currently considering a career in event planning and said she believes the economic situation is poor for finding a job in the event planning area right now. She is “definitely stressed about future outcomes.”

“It’s more coming to the realization that the economy isn’t in the best situation right now and I need to figure out how to get myself out there. That’s the area of business being cut first,” King said.

“What drew me to the major is actually the same thing I am having a problem with now. I was drawn to the communications major because it opened a lot of doors, it was a very general major — it’s whatever you make of it.”

Holien chose his major because of his interest in the subject and because he believed he would be able to obtain a job quickly after graduating.

He said the state of the economy has increased his stress level.

“It’s added to it, for sure, because I guess everybody is having a little harder time finding a job, I think,” Holien said. “To be honest right now, I wanted to have a job this close to graduation and not having one — it does add a little stress to your life.”

Although his plans have not changed completely because of the state of the economy, Holien said he might look into more companies that do broader work instead of companies focusing on one type of work.

“I’ve given a little thought to grad school but not enough to warrant a consideration,” Holien said.

Because King started his career at Iowa State with an open option-Liberal Arts and Sciences major, she said her plan for the future has changed considerably and now she just needs “to focus on what [she’s] doing.”

“I think things have definitely changed a little bit,” King said. “I’m trying to figure out who I am, as a person, how I’ve grown in college, and what are the skills I’ve learned here.”

SIDEBAR: Tips to stay healthly — mentally and physically

1. Make an effort to do what you want to do and what brings you happiness.

2. Be aware of yourself, including your emotional, physical and mental needs.

3. Don’t hold onto negative feelings. Learn to forgive yourself.

4. Maintain positive thoughts and goals — imagine what you want out of life and don’t let negative events hold you back.

5. Remember to like yourself and others.

6. Make positive relationships in your life and try to heal rough patches with others.

7. Take time to make a positive impact on your community.

8. Develop healthy habits.

9. Look at your life and yourself as a chance to grow and learn.

10. Remember to laugh and have a sense of humor.

— Information from the Academic Success Center’s Web site, www.dso.iastate.edu/asc

Related Links:

Academic Success Center’s 10 tips to stay healthy

www.dso.iastate.edu/asc/academic/handouts/health/10menphyhealthy.pdf