I Choose Me

 When I first came to school at PUC, I was determined to make the most of my college experience. During the pandemic, I had taken a gap year and worked in the adult world so I was convinced I would be able to handle whatever college threw at me. As such, upon my arrival at school, I became involved in everything from the Honors course to working a job to shooting videos for the Student Association. Academically, socially, and occupationally, my life was locked in the highest gear.

As a result, I didn't spend much time sleeping, and even less time in my room relaxing. During this time, I averaged 2 meals a day and most of my cafeteria points went toward coffee and energy drinks. As you could expect, I quickly burned out and spent much of my winter and spring quarters dragging my feet.

This is a common occurrence in college, young people are expected to juggle coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and maintain a social life, all while trying to plan for their future. The constant pressure to perform and excel in all areas can be overwhelming, especially when combined with the pressure to fit in and make friends.

But what can college students do to prevent burnout? The first step is to recognize the symptoms of burnout and take action before it becomes too severe. They can also prioritize their time and set realistic goals for themselves. They can also practice self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, taking breaks when needed, and spending time outside in the sunlight. This can include engaging in activities they enjoy, such as reading, watching movies, or spending time with friends.

It's also important for students to seek support when they need it. They can talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional if they feel overwhelmed. In particular, along with counseling services, our school also provides other resources to help students manage stress such as the TLC.

For me, the solution to my problem was as simple as cutting down on credits each quarter, quitting the  Honors program, and taking an hour or two each week to do something for myself. Since making these changes, I have been able to approach school in a more calm and more organized fashion. Though I am still working several jobs and juggling many tasks, I feel better and more capable of getting everything done.

Oftentimes, the hardest choice in college is to choose yourself over the deadlines. But if you don't give that time and respect to yourself, you won't be able to go far in your academic journey. So, my advice to you in your college experience is to choose yourself and let school take the backseat every now and then.

I'm rooting for you!

Marguerite :)