In It to Win It

As a first-generation college student, I’m filled with pride and fear. I’m scared of failure, but I’ve gradually come to accept that I can learn from it, and you can, too. I know that responsibilities can exhaust us, college students. We must juggle problems, grades, relationships, money, and chores. But believe me when I tell you that we are not alone. There are so many opportunities and school resources waiting on us to simply ask for help, so go for it!

            I know that we encounter stress; it’s part of us being human. It’s likely that if you are currently experiencing it, then you might also in the future. This is why it’s so important for you to make a proactive plan to deal with it constructively. It can stabilize your mental health and prevent stress from contributing to serious health problems like depression.

Stress is something we’ve all dealt with, and it can inevitably take a toll on our body, mood, and behavior. In other words, don’t take it for granted! Through this academic journey, you and I are bound to undergo challenging courses that cause us stress, but remember, don’t let this intimidate you.

            If you’re currently struggling to cope with stress from sleep deprivation, poor academic performance, or not meeting expectations, then I recommend you consult with a professional from CSULA’s Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, located in the Student Health Center. They can help you with your situation and get you back on track!

With their guidance, you can receive the needed resources and learn important skills to help manage your stress, which can benefit you in the long run. I’ve visited the Student Health Center with my friends, and I can assure you it’s a welcoming and comfortable place to be in.

From experience, I suggest that you begin developing useful work habits now, including better time management and coping skills. Consider signing up for free group therapy sessions and workshops provided by CAPS as soon as you feel overwhelmed. It will be a great, first-time opportunity to experience one-on-one counseling. Any service endorsed by CAPS will take you a step closer towards stability. The counselors are confidential and understanding.

If you’re already considering visiting this free campus resource, take note of their time and date availabilities, and schedule an appointment ahead of time, perhaps two to five weeks in advance. Even if you aren’t stressed at the moment, it will help to receive positive feedback, so that you can recover from future failure and make healthy changes to address your anxiety.

Simply speaking about the struggles in my life has allowed me to vent my concerns and view them from a new perspective. We, college students, can be emotionally equipped by being taught how to recover from difficult situations. We can learn to confront multiple challenges with the aid of a tolerant and adapting mindset that doesn’t surrender to emotion. This is absolutely possible!

The Student Health Center’s counseling services can give you crucial tips, so that you can achieve this ideal mentality and be better prepared in handling various emotional problems at once. Consider exercising as well. This way, your happiness and confidence can resist academic and financial stress, while still having the strength to keep striving towards what you want.

Through my English course, I’ve learned that finding ways to manage stress is significant to our personal development, and utilizing CAPS’ resources is a great solution. Keep in mind that setbacks are okay. We can always redeem ourselves, right? Don’t let stress hinder you from reaching your full potential. Attend as many counseling sessions necessary for you to withstand anxiety. You are not alone. You and I are both in to win it!