As I write this, I’m still coming down off of what was probably the most stressful seven days of this semester for me so far. This past weekend, I had two big tests to prepare for, I was sick, and I missed my boyfriend so much it made my body hurt. (And all of this on top of on-going family drama, as well as my usual coursework for my other classes.) To say the least, I was struggling something fierce.
Photo by Taylor Thomas
I know for a fact that anybody reading this can relate, though. Anybody, whether you work or don’t work or whether this is your first semester or your fifth, has hit points in their academic career where they feel like they are absolutely drowning under the weight of tests, reading, quizzes, and essays. It doesn’t matter the degree plan or the major- everyone will experience burnout, and if you haven’t yet, it will come eventually. This is just the facts of academia, and while it’s stressful and upsetting, you can take comfort in the notion of not being alone in your struggles.
Each time we see someone being crushed by their coursework, whether it’s a friend or a stranger, we all have the opportunity to offer them support. Whether it’s just a kind, reassuring word or actual help with writing or studying, we can all make this a little better for each other. I think we’re conditioned to believe that academia is a competition where everyone is out for themselves and themselves alone, but this isn’t true, especially in college. The first universities were designed to be institutions that fostered collaboration and the sharing of knowledge amongst the masses that attended them, and I find it sad that we’ve lost some of that mentality in modern times. If we could return to the collaborative mindset, I think we could relieve each other of the burden of feeling like you must do everything yourself.
Photo by Taylor Thomas
So the next time you see someone having trouble in one of your classes, or the next time you’re going through a rough patch yourself, reach out to your peers for help, even if you just want to vent and complain about how much you have to do and how much you’re dreading doing all of it. Expressing yourself and how you feel, especially when you’re overwhelmed, is positive for your mental state, and it can even help to motivate you. Don’t feel like you’re stupid for needing tutoring, and don’t feel like you’re weak if you contact your university’s counseling services. We all experience stress, and it’s important to manage it!
Hang in there! I’m rooting for you!