Heading off to college is a significant and transformative experience in a student's
life, marked by newfound independence, academic challenges, and the pursuit of
self-discovery. While this period can be incredibly rewarding, it also brings about
various stressors that can impact a student's mental health.
College academics are often more demanding than high school, and the pressure
to perform well can be overwhelming. The competitive nature of some college
environments, coupled with higher expectations, may lead to stress and anxiety.
Students may face challenges in adapting to different teaching styles, managing
heavier workloads, and handling the fear of failure. The pressure to maintain high
grades for future career prospects or graduate school adds another layer of stress.
Moving away from home, possibly for the first time, can be emotionally challenging.
Adjusting to a new environment, making new friends, and navigating the
complexities of dorm life or shared apartments can be stressful. This transition often
involves homesickness and the need to establish a support system in an unfamiliar
setting, which may contribute to feelings of isolation.
College is a time of self-discovery as students explore their interests, values, and
identity. This process, while enriching, can also be emotionally taxing. Students may
grapple with questions about their purpose, career path, and personal values,
leading to introspection and, at times, uncertainty. This journey of self-discovery can
be both exciting and anxiety-inducing.
The social dynamics of college life can introduce new challenges. The desire to fit
in, make friends, and establish a social identity can be stressful. Peer pressure,
relationship dynamics, and social expectations may contribute to feelings of
inadequacy or the need to conform, impacting mental well-being.
Many students face financial challenges during their college years. Balancing the
costs of tuition, housing, and other living expenses can create stress. Students may
worry about student loans, part-time employment, or financial dependence on family,
all of which can impact mental health.
The pressure to excel academically and in extracurricular activities or
part-time jobs can contribute to performance anxiety. The fear of falling short of
personal or societal expectations may lead to stress and feelings of inadequacy.
To mitigate these challenges, we decided to have a three-day workshop on
November 8th,9th &10th, 2023.
Each day was a 90-minute session where casual topics with anecdotes and stories
were used to provide information. There were numerous activities and discussions in
each session.
Each session was wrapped up by a short 15-minute meditation session to calm
one's mind and bring it back to focus.
We had two speakers at this event who are certified meditation experts and are
experts in their domains.