by Brandale Mills
Daily Lobo
Chewing gum may be the answer to success for students worried about passing their finals next week, said Serena Hoskinson, account executive of Wrigley Co.
Wrigley, the official sponsor of finals week at several universities around the country, including UNM, offered students an opportunity to relax and relieve test tension at the Wrigley Gum Lounge on Tuesday in the SUB.
Students were given free Wrigley's Big Red and Winterfresh chewing gum to kick off finals week.
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Hoskinson said research done by independent scientists shows 85 percent of college students stress out during finals.
"Chewing gum during study sessions may relieve stress and tension," Hoskinson said.
Research shows students who chew gum while studying perform a letter grade better from those who do not chew gum while studying, she said.
Student Ana Jones said she does not chew gum while studying and does well on exams.
"I just drink coffee," she said. "Maybe if they had a coffee-flavored gum."
A basketball hoop and a DJ were in the lounge for student leisure.
"It's just something fun people can do while hanging out," said Janelle Ricks, another account executive for Wrigley.
Ricks said there will be a massage therapist giving free massages for students on Wednesday in the SUB.
UNM sophomore Francesca Ascenzi won a T-shirt after filling out a survey. She did not know that chewing gum while studying could help with her concentration, she said.
"It seems to make sense," she said. "Chewing gum tends to make me more focused."
She said it would not encourage her to stock up on gum before studying for her finals, though.
"If I have it while I'm studying then I'll use it, but I won't go buy gum just to study," she said.
Hoskinson said having the Wrigley Gum Lounge helps prepare students for finals and will remind them of helpful study hints. The goal is to reach half of the campus with the information about chewing gum, she said.
UNM junior Sarah Lindborg said she will definitely try chewing gum while she is studying for finals.
"It's awesome, because I love gum," she said.
Lindborg said she chews gum every day, and she said it will help her concentration while studying.
Sophomore Stefani Ludi said getting free gum encouraged her to use it while studying for a final she has Thursday.
"I wish I would've known sooner," she said. "I'm going to try it when I get home."
Junior Jennifer Smith said she was going to start chewing gum while studying more often.
"I'm kind of stressed about my finals," she said. "This is both good and fun."
The Wrigley Gum Lounge will be in the SUB until Thursday. Wrigley will give away prizes at random to students who fill out study habit surveys. Grand prize winners will receive $1,000 for books and tuition or an Xbox. There will also be a drawing for an iPod nano.
