We have made it to week three of the semester, and I bet many of you are looking into the week’s agenda, feeling the strain of classes, extracurriculars and networking. Some of you are probably currently cursing the spring semester you, who scheduled that one class at 8:30 a.m.
I hope to be here as the little character on your shoulder to say, “Hey, you should give yourself a pat on the back for all the work you have done so far!”
The reality is, it is hard to adjust back to school after spending a summer in the sun, completing an internship, or working a job. I find over the summer, my days are usually quite similar; even when they are busy, they tend to be consistent. But during a school semester, every day is different and presents a new challenge, experience or assignment to fit in.
For first-year students, 94% reported experiencing homesickness at some point in the first 10 weeks of college. Only 6% reported zero homesickness every week, according to the National Institute of Health.
This further highlights you are not alone. Many feel the effects of starting fresh in a new city, making new friends and taking on a new course load. For first-year students, it is also about finding themselves, what their new interests are going to be or even what old hobbies they decide to pursue and continue.
It can be an abrupt change, one we far too often sell ourselves short on by thinking we are behind, almost like swimming upstream.
The percentage of students who are experiencing mental health problems has also increased more than 50% since 2013, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Now more than ever is the time to check in with yourself. How are you truly feeling?
All the more reason to be kind to yourself. It can also extend to others, as Bobcats help Bobcats! Hold the door for someone this week, compliment their outfit, anything to show we are all on this boat together.
The American College Health Association reported around 60% of college students report feeling overwhelmed by assignments, courses and more. According to Greater Boston Behavioral Health, 40% experience anxiety related to pressure to perform academically, be social and adjust to a new lifestyle,
Many of us are starting to feel the heat of both Ohio’s fake fall, I am anxiously awaiting my "Gilmore Girls" era, and the stress of a new semester. There is a constant need to succeed and struggle associated with not being perfect all the time, felt by everyone, no matter if it's your freshman or senior year.
This is your reminder to be kinder to yourself and give yourself the credit you deserve for all you have accomplished in the last three weeks. You can do this!
Give yourself a pat on the back today and as many days this week as are needed to remember that you are going to kill it this semester.
Emily Stokes is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Have something to say? Email Emily at es542222@ohio.edu
