Having a bad day? Is college getting you down? Do you go to Howard University? Then we get it. College can have some of the best and worst of times. This column is a gateway for students to know that they aren’t alone in our large Bison family. I hope that hearing from your peers will continue to give you hope to keep going on another day.
Meet Johanna Breeden-Stevens, Sophomore Elementary Education Major from Boston, MA
Avery: What are you currently happy about today or just in life in general?
Johanna: I am happy about being reunited with my School of Education cohort and my close friends.
Avery: How do you keep yourself motivated during the darkest of times?
Johanna: Mainly, I call my mommy, and sometimes I talk it out with people or I write out all of my problems. Honestly, a quick cry session always works too but then I wash my face and keep going.
Avery: What advice would you give to someone who is down in the dumps?
Johanna: I would tell them that it will get better even when it doesn’t feel like it will. Whether it’s eating food or you do something joyous, things will get better. You should do something that makes you feel happy and away from the stressful things for at least 10 minutes. You could even work on some coloring books or eat some food.
Avery: Do you have any rituals you do to keep a good mojo going throughout your day?
Johanna: I laugh a lot. I try to find humor in everything.
Avery: What is one of your favorite memories so far at Howard University?
Johanna: My birthday sophomore year with my cohort, we just hung out and had a good time. There was cake and a photoshoot, it was just a really good time.
Avery: What is one thing you wish someone told you before attending Howard?
Johanna: That you don’t have to find your best friends the first week or even in the first year of being at Howard. Yeah, many people do but that’s not necessarily the way you have to go. You should recognize the relationships you already have.
Avery: What is one motivational quote/piece of writing that keeps you going on a day to day basis?
Johanna: “A day without laughter, is a day wasted.”