University Sends 1,400 Freshmen Inspiring Postcards From Alumni At Exam Time

Exams are a stressful part of a post-secondary school education, especially the first of our freshman year. We're studying until dawn, living off microwaved meals and leftover pizza, trying to cram as much as possible into our brains before it's too late. We feel overwhelmed and lost in our own world, and often need reminders just to breathe. 

With students ready to take their exam seats 96,972 times over 11 days at Western University in Ontario, Canada, the Alumni Association decided to enlist the help of former students to send those reminders via postcard. When they put out the call on Twitter, they only expected to receive about 200 postcards — instead, they got 1,359! The postcards will be delivered to the students in the alumni's former residences on the Monday exams start! What a great way to face that first test!

This year the Western Alumni Association began a campaign called "The Kind Mail" project. 

There are words of encouragement! Even the project coordinators made sure to send their own postcards.

According to the ChildLine National Exam Stress Survey, an astounding 96% of students experience anxiety when it comes to exams. 

When experiencing that kind of pressure, sometimes all a student needs is to know they're not alone.

And who is more qualified to talk about exams than someone who's already passed them? 

It doesn't matter how long it's been since they had their own exams. This alumnus remembers exams in 1969, giving great perspective to the recipient.

One alumnus also points stressed students to sources of free relaxation.

Like this one to the closest dog park. Puppy kisses make all the stress go away! 

Postcards have been sent from all over the world.

Distance doesn't quash the good vibes of these alumni from as far away as Italy, Germany, and Trinidad and Tobago!

Here's one from Australia.

And some great, simple advice from Arizona.

Sometimes you just need someone to remind you to relax.

Some alumni just want to add a little fun to the day.

Who can be nervous after learning about "Country Squares"?

Wouldn't you love to get one of these before a big exam?

SHAREwith any students you know who could use some encouragement during exams!

h/t Western University