College of the Desert hosted its recurring Study Jam on May 16 at the Hilb Building, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help students study and prepare for finals week.
The annual Study Jam was designed to help students feel relaxed and enjoy their studying by providing donuts, protein cups, therapy dogs, a barbecue, and giveaway prizes. Admission, food and snacks were free, and barbecue tickets were distributed inside the library.
The event took place throughout the library and TASC center, where students participated in crafting activities, study sessions, and tutoring opportunities. “I’m here to study for my lecture final for biology,” said student Casey Flores. “I’m going into the registered nursing program, so I’m doing my prerequisites for that. This is my first time at a Study Jam. I normally do the tutoring sessions, but this is a lot different. It’s more social, a lot more people are involved, rather than just your own presence.”
Flores said the event allowed students to balance studying with social interaction.
“You get to break away a little bit and talk, converse, and then get back into it,” Flores said. “Offering the little snack cups is a really great way for people to come in, especially the free food, and the little dogs out there are so cute. I think if they did more, it’d probably be a distraction from studying, so it’s just great as it is now.”
Another student, Audrey Hill, said she appreciated the atmosphere despite the noise level.
“I’m coming here to study for my political science paper and also for my geology exam on Wednesday,” Hill said. “I like the environment during the Study Jams, but it’s definitely an event, and it’s a little bit louder than usual compared to studying at home.”
Along with many resources, tutors were also available to help students prepare for finals and exams in subjects including writing, math, science and independent studies.
“I am an American Sign Language tutor,” said Dakota High, a student tutor. “This is my second semester tutoring. I’ve been getting a lot more students to tutor this semester, and I feel like I’m helping them by trying to simplify the language.”
Student David Lopez Martinez, a civil engineering major, said studying on campus helps him stay focused.
“I don’t study at home. I can’t focus at home, so I kind of force myself to study here,” Martinez said.
As finals week approaches, the Study Jam gave students a place to prepare for exams while taking a break from the stress that often comes with the end of the semester.
