Motivational Self-Care for Mitch Morgan from Zoo
College can be a very stressful transition for just about anyone. As I’m sure you’ve realized by now, college isn’t like high school. Professors are apt to be more apathetic than high school teachers, and the way homework is handled varies from professor to professor. But it isn’t all bad! Most professors are used to handling struggling students, and many (while seemingly apathetic) can also be surprisingly sympathetic. When it comes to tackling something like veterinary degrees, you’ll be sure to face a lot of obstacles. Always be open and honest with your professors. The worst case scenario is that the professor happens to be kind of mean, but more often then not professors are willing to be at least a little flexible and understanding.
You may feel pressured to live up to your previous life. While it’s true you were intelligent and successful, remember it’s perfectly fine to struggle with things you used to not struggle with! It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you now, it just means that you’re also a new person with a new life. Remember to be patient with yourself as much as you can.
Don’t be scared to be assertive when sharing a living space. This is something I had to learn the hard way, but sometimes in college people can be pretty selfish. If a hallmate or room mate is bothering you to the point it’s disturbing your life, speak up about it! Contact a Resident Advisor (RA) or your schools’ equivalent, tell them what’s going on. You have a right to a living space that doesn’t stress you out or make you feel unsafe!
Always try different study techniques and locations. Some folks find it fine to work in their dorm rooms, others find it easier to go to the library, still others like to go to a local café to work! The possibilities are plentiful, and this time you don’t have to worry about unnaturally vicious animals disrupting your study time!
One last thing: Never be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s going to a writing center for help with essays, or going to Health Services and taking advantage of counseling. College is a lot easier if you can let go of the idea that you need to always solve your own problems on your own. Take advantage of the resources around you!
Hope you’re doing well Mitch! Good luck with your second semester!