Campus Conversations

The most effective form of stress relief? Baking!

November 23, 2012

Blogger: Ava Martinez

The heightened workload that comes with sophomore year is certainly impossible to ignore. This semester, I'm taking 18 units, 10 of which are 300-levels. Although it could be easy to become burnt out after studying for tests, writing research papers, and hundreds of pages of reading a week, my friends and I have been keeping the stress of sophomore year in check with various baking projects. The proximity of Target, Trader Joe's, and Fresh and Easy has made it that much easier to keep a constant supply of cookie dough and other mixes, and my friends and I find ourselves taking over the Norris kitchen at least once a week. Cookie cups to put ice cream in was one of the better ideas we've had. 

Taking a small study break to bake delicious treats is absolutely worth it. Additionally, we benefit both from the time spent taking a break from work, and the yummy treats that results from it. 
 
Although baking for the sake of baking is never a problem, my new club, Cupcakes for Children has allowed this study break to turn into something more productive. As I briefly discussed in my last post, the club will be raising funds to finance the installation of electricity for the orphanage in Ghana I volunteered at this summer, and plan to return to over winter break. Although the club was slow to get off the ground, our first bake sale exceeded my expectations, and pulled in over $115 to put toward the fundraiser. Now that the club has been established, we are planning on holding bake sales twice a month. 
 
Some of the cupcakes we sold at our first bake sale!
 
I hope the college applications process is going okay for all the high school seniors reading this! Also, to the Early Decision 1 applicants who just submitted your applications, congrats and good luck! I was in your place two years ago and remember the mixed feelings of relief and anxiety in the (short) waiting period well. 
Until next time!