November 2021
Trigger Warning: Depression, Stress.
An A is okay, so is a B, and a C is fine too. With mid-terms on, in a faraway land, with a new approach to education, and a hefty amount of debt, it is understandable to be stressed. There will be times when the desire to give up will be strong, and hanging by a thread, that mind and body of yours will seek refuge in the darkness of the night, in the corner of your room or library. Is this okay? An emphatic no! Ambition at the expense of health, both mental and physical, is a bargain I will always rally against. Not only your health matters but also your loved ones. When it comes to mental health, I am aware of the stigma it carries in some cultures. It is not often easy to open up about one’s emotional state. Often, bright students suffer entrenched in a culture of meritocracy. When all hope is lost, the mind fills with thoughts that have the potential to cause the unthinkable. Not Another Aggie.
While it’s easy to feel lonely, let me tell you this: we are here. One of the best things about Aggieland is that we are a family. There are a lot of resources here for both your academic and personal development, and when it comes to emotional and psychological support, the wonderful people at Counseling and Psychological Services are there to lend a supportive hand to you anytime. I highly recommend them. They will also guide you to multiple on and off-campus resources which will be highly beneficial to you.
On a more personal note, there are a few things that help me address the highs and lows of academic life. First and foremost, have a support system. Talk to your family and loves ones regularly. It doesn’t have to be for hours; a few minutes or a few texts are often enough. Second, know your limits and prioritize your academic tasks. Even though it is noble to plan, sometimes one needs to reschedule these plans to make way for personal tasks – sleep, Netflix, food, leisure, etc. Give them equal preference. Next, take a break. Although Aggieland might be the promised land, you must explore Texas more. Travel to Houston, Austin, Dallas, among other places. Attend a rodeo (which will be the subject of a future blog), meet the locals, try the food, know the culture, share your experiences. I assure you; travel will fill your mind and soul with fullness, the kind that comes with a life well-lived. Finally, never lose sight of your goals. There is a reason you are here seeking education at one of the best schools in the greatest country on Earth! It's you who has made it this far, and it’s you who can and who will go all the way, crossing the finish line to a life desired.
You got this, Aggie.
Good luck.
P.S. If you feel it would help you, feel free to reach out to your friends, advisors, professors, and even me! Aggies help each other.
Resources:
Counseling & Psychological Services
Student Services Building, 4th Floor
471 Houston St. | 1263 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1263
P: 979.845.4427
F: 979.862.4383
caps@caps.tamu.edu
– Gogoal Falia
Gogoal is a first-year Ph.D. student in the School of Public Health.
An A is okay, so is a B, and a C is fine too. With mid-terms on, in a faraway land, with a new approach to education, and a hefty amount of debt, it is understandable to be stressed. There will be times when the desire to give up will be strong, and hanging by a thread, that mind and body of yours will seek refuge in the darkness of the night, in the corner of your room or library. Is this okay? An emphatic no! Ambition at the expense of health, both mental and physical, is a bargain I will always rally against. Not only your health matters but also your loved ones. When it comes to mental health, I am aware of the stigma it carries in some cultures. It is not often easy to open up about one’s emotional state. Often, bright students suffer entrenched in a culture of meritocracy. When all hope is lost, the mind fills with thoughts that have the potential to cause the unthinkable. Not Another Aggie.
While it’s easy to feel lonely, let me tell you this: we are here. One of the best things about Aggieland is that we are a family. There are a lot of resources here for both your academic and personal development, and when it comes to emotional and psychological support, the wonderful people at Counseling and Psychological Services are there to lend a supportive hand to you anytime. I highly recommend them. They will also guide you to multiple on and off-campus resources which will be highly beneficial to you.
On a more personal note, there are a few things that help me address the highs and lows of academic life. First and foremost, have a support system. Talk to your family and loves ones regularly. It doesn’t have to be for hours; a few minutes or a few texts are often enough. Second, know your limits and prioritize your academic tasks. Even though it is noble to plan, sometimes one needs to reschedule these plans to make way for personal tasks – sleep, Netflix, food, leisure, etc. Give them equal preference. Next, take a break. Although Aggieland might be the promised land, you must explore Texas more. Travel to Houston, Austin, Dallas, among other places. Attend a rodeo (which will be the subject of a future blog), meet the locals, try the food, know the culture, share your experiences. I assure you; travel will fill your mind and soul with fullness, the kind that comes with a life well-lived. Finally, never lose sight of your goals. There is a reason you are here seeking education at one of the best schools in the greatest country on Earth! It's you who has made it this far, and it’s you who can and who will go all the way, crossing the finish line to a life desired.
You got this, Aggie.
Good luck.
P.S. If you feel it would help you, feel free to reach out to your friends, advisors, professors, and even me! Aggies help each other.
Resources:
Counseling & Psychological Services
Student Services Building, 4th Floor
471 Houston St. | 1263 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1263
P: 979.845.4427
F: 979.862.4383
caps@caps.tamu.edu
– Gogoal Falia
Gogoal is a first-year Ph.D. student in the School of Public Health.