Bobcat Student Orientation is full of the classic college fanfare: the frills, friendly staff and new friends. Green and white dot Baker University Center, The Convo and Peden Stadium. These are places incoming freshmen and their parents may remember from previous tours or the Ohio University website that often serve as important landmarks to navigate campus in the first few weeks.
Yet, it is different living in a dorm far from home. College can be an incredibly rewarding time, but countless factors also build uncertainty. It is when positive mental health practices become necessary not only as a source for motivation, but as a tool to combat fear. The constant change of college also makes it easy to get carried away and lose ground. Students may find themselves simply asking, “What am I going to do with the rest of my life?”
There are two answers to such a demanding question. First, students must realize life has a way of changing pathways in an instant. One degree is not definite. The Pew Research Center finds, of those enrolled in a four-year public university such as OU, only about 69% finish a degree program in six years. Motivation to complete college can be difficult to find, it is important to practice long-term sustainability for mental health.
Having a college degree is important in an ever-changing job market, but getting the piece of paper is only half of the experience. Some people will find themselves graduating earlier, and some will take longer to finish their degree. That’s fine because receiving a diploma grants access to the group of 23.5% of U.S. adults aged 25 and older who hold a bachelor’s degree, per the U.S. Census Bureau. It is important to note college experiences make successful college graduates, not the diploma they receive at the end of their journey.
The other half of attending college is trying new things, attending compelling events and meeting people with completely different viewpoints. OU has over 550 student organizations, and many of them will be showcased at the OU Involvement Fair at the beginning of the fall semester. Getting involved with student organizations is another great way to navigate uncertainty in college and find a clearer path for the future while building a resume.
Having a schedule and practicing proactivity is also important, but taking life one day at a time makes the biggest difference. According to Harmony Healthcare, 46% of college students have a diagnosed mental health condition. Of those, 86% of college students are diagnosed with anxiety. Countless students struggle with their mental health, and going to college can add unanticipated challenges.
Just “taking a break” from stressful situations may not be enough in the coming years. Students must prioritize their mental health through good rest, exercise, socialization and routine planning. It is nearly impossible that every day will be perfect, but having a plan for a better tomorrow should always be a goal.
There is a path for everyone at OU, no matter where they come from or how acquainted they are with college. Unlike a few schools across the country, OU is geographically nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The closest major city to Athens is Columbus, which is still 68 miles away. That physical isolation has fostered a strong support network in Athens that awaits the next group of freshmen.
There is a great deal of pressure to craft a resume, create a lifeplan and start a career for all students, regardless of their majors. For now, find the things that bring the most joy and the strongest motivation. Everything else will follow.
Aiden is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Aiden? Reach him on Instagram at @aiden_with_an_i_ or email him at ar260223@ohio.edu.
