College is hard. Every semester is more difficult than the one before. I never realized that until I entered this semester, perhaps it was because I was taking all intro-level classes in my first year of college.
However, with this semester in full swing, I had been feeling extremely overwhelmed with my academics and new friendships I had come across. I felt as if there was always someone better prepared or just more intelligent than I was. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get that grade I wanted. I felt stupid and underappreciated as if all my efforts were going to waste. I kept on asking myself, what grade do I need in this class to get into medical school? Will I even get into medical school? Is it bad if I withdraw or possibly retake this course? Do my friends think I’m not smart enough to fit in?
Everybody is fighting a battle, and there are many doubts along the way. Some students are asking themselves the same questions as I am, and others are considering whether they should change their major, drop out of college, or if they should let go of toxic friendships or whatever else is on their mind. It is so crucial to take care of your mental health and I cannot believe it took me this long to realize that.
- Protect Yourself
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This is a saying my dad used frequently before I left the house. It just means that you have to do whatever is best for you because, at the end of the day, it’s your life. Yes, your friends may be supportive and care for you but they will not be the ones that are going through the pain you are. I am aware of the negative stigma that comes with seeing a therapist, but if you feel like you cannot handle everything that is going on in life, it is totally fine to take a step back and see a professional.
Your mind is a part of your body too, in fact, it is the most important part of your body. If it’s not feeling well, then it’s okay to go see a therapist the same way when you get the flu and go see a doctor.
- Pobody’s Nerfect
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Nobody’s perfect! People have their flaws and even if you don’t see them right away, then that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Don’t put yourself down because you’re not as smart as the person next to you or if you don’t have the same physique as that model in the magazine. Everyone is different.
It is so important that you do not compare yourself to others because that will only lead to self-destruction. You are what you are and nobody can change that. If you don’t do as great on a test as your friend then that doesn’t mean you’re not smart, it just might mean that you’re a little unfamiliar with the material. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be confident and you’ll get it. Everybody is on their own track in life. So be you because you’re so beautiful and intelligent!
- Self-Care
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Mental health revolves around giving yourself a break and taking a step back from your incredibly busy lifestyle. Have a day just for yourself! Go out to get some lunch with a friend, bake cookies, watch that movie that you’ve been dying to see, put on a facemask or take a nice long shower. Anything goes! It’s important to refresh and unwind once in a while because that way you’ll be motivated to get your sh*t done with a calm and clear mind.
College is a learning process because it is where we start to turn into adults. A lot of the times we put too much pressure on our academics and friendships, striving to be perfect. This puts our mental health at risk because we continuously doubt our decisions. This is what happened to me this semester because I knew medical school was approaching. I kept on comparing myself to my peers and pointing out the flaws in myself without noticing my own potential. I am different and my extracurriculars and academics are different. I stopped comparing myself and pre-calculating my grades, and just went with the flow.
My job was to study and do my best, and that’s all I did. I focused on myself and had self-care days where I would unwind and refresh my mind. I noticed so much improvement in my behavior and even academics. I really hope that this can help anyone else feeling overwhelmed in college. Just remember that you’re amazing and you don’t need anyone’s approval, just be beautiful you!
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