Mental Health department says that many seniors feel stressed as they near graduation. "There’s an uncertainty after college about what to do when they finish. An uncertain job market puts on more stress, plus fears of not finding a job." Everyday stresses among college students may include financial issues, working to pay for education and a greater pressure to succeed; plus simply trying your best in class. "It’s very easy to spread yourself thin," says Davenport. So, before you pull yet another all-nighter, consider this: engage in a "Swiss Cheese," method of organization. Davenport, who is amazed by the number of students who don’t use a day-planner, advises students to "Use bits of time. If you’ve got a fifteen-minute break in the day, jot down ideas for a paper." She also advises students to set realistic goals for themselves and not throw themselves into a million different activities. Mark Rowh, author of, ‘Coping with Stress in College’ and the Vice President of Advancement at New River Community College in Dublin, VA, says sometimes professors pack in extra work, especially toward the end of the semester. It’s important to establish a good relationship with your professors. Perhaps if you are really feeling overwhelmed, you can discuss

your situation with a professor and ask for an extension. "Consult your syllabus and pay attention to when assignments are due," says Rowh. After all, you DO receive that syllabus on the first day of class! "Plan your academic semester in advance," Rowh advises. Also, you may say you have no free time, but think about how much time you may be wasting by watching TV or playing a video game. Instead, use that time to study or catch up on schoolwork. "You do have time to spare," says Rowh. If you find yourself stressed to the max, consider talking with a school counselor. Every college has stressed-out students and a board of advisors and psychologists willing to help out. Davenport advises students to learn how to say "no" to certain activities, whether it’s going to a party or joining yet another organization. Can you really take on another club meeting when you’re barely passing your Gen-Ed classes? Think about what is most important in college. Even with a job and full courseload, you can succeed without the daily stress. Also, try and arrange your schedule to squeeze in more sleep, more aerobics and less play time. Aerobics is a great way to let out pent-up energy and stress. "It’s so easy to get wrapped up in college," says Rowh. "Back off a bit, prioritize and give yourself a break."

Whether you’re studying in Manhattan, attending a Big Ten university in Michigan or soaking up the sun at an art school in southern California, every college student faces stressful timesespecially around mid-terms, finals week and edging closer to graduation. Sure, college is an amazing time and probably the only time in your life when you can create your own work schedule. It’s easy to feel incredibly overwhelmed by academics, sports, clubs, travel and gearing up for the ‘real world’ that somehow crept up on you much faster than you had anticipated. So, before you freak out and throw your books across the room, take a deep breath and realize you’re not alone. The key to stress management in college is organization. Laura Davenport, PsyD., at the University of Texas at Austin’s counseling and

I saw before I finally met a doctor who discovered I had an immune system that didn’t work normally. With her help and treatment, my chronic symptoms have greatly decreased, and the IV therapy helps me lead a normal life. I started out life as a healthy kid, who never got sick. Then, when I was about 11, I went from an active girl who competed in gymnastics to being bed-ridden. I had zero energy and couldn’t digest my food. Not knowing what was wrong with me was the scariest part. I saw doctors in every field. But instead of a diagnosis, I’d get opinions like "Normal kids don’t get this," or "This shouldn’t be happening to someone your age." Sometimes I felt like saying, "I’m not crazy! And I’m not making this up!" Two years later, I met Dr. Carmack. She had just joined the pediatrics department at the clinic I visited. Believe it or not, I was her first patient! Dr. Carmack never gave up until she had found what was wrong with me. When we finally had a diagnosis and my parents and I learned I had CVID, it was such a relief. Finally, my disease was "real," and we could move on to find a treatment.

After diagnosis, it was quickly determined that I needed IGIV therapy. I totally hated infusions at first. The nurses tried rapid infusion, but the IGIV product they used made me feel terrible. Finally, they gave me Gamimune® N. It was the easiest IV treatment I’d ever had no pain, and no side effects EVER. Within a year of starting IGIV, my symptoms started to disappear, one-by-one. It was gradual, but I went from having no life to being able to do pretty much anything I wanted. I have been on IGIV six years now, five of them using Gamimune® N. I can receive my infusion in my college dorm room while watching a movie or talking with my friends. I still have sinus problems, but they are manageable. If there was one thing I could tell doctors and nurses everywhere, it would be: Get smart about Primary Immunodeficiency. And if I had one thing to say to patients it would be: Don’t ever give up and don’t let your doctor give up, either. Others living with PI were an inspiration to me, and now I want to be an inspiration to others. Once I was diagnosed, IGIV helped me get back to living a normal life.

Never Give up Hope

Katie Weatherford: In Her Own Words I am a 19-year-old college student from Palo Alto, Calif., who was diagnosed with Common Variable Primary Immunodeficiency (CVID) at age 13. When I was younger I had chronic, unexplainable illnesses including rashes, stomach problems and sinus infections. Often, I would suffer multiple illnesses at once. I can’t even remember how many doctors and specialists