Academic Year Victory: Essential Strategies for Overcoming College Challenges and Boosting Success

How Support, Self-Care, and Campus Resources Made a Difference in My Studies

Aug 01, 2024

Illustration of a woman in various scenarios. In the center, she is wearing a graduation cap and gown, holding a book, with a flower in her hair. Surrounding her are three smaller scenes: in the top right, she is lifting dumbbells; in the top left, she is sitting with an older woman, both reading; in the bottom left, she is sitting on the floor with a laptop; and in the bottom right, she is sitting on a couch with a man, both reading books. — Created with Dall-E

Living with anxiety, depression, and Crohn's Disease while pursuing a college degree was a challenging journey. Reflecting on my six-year experience, I learned through trial and error what I needed to overcome obstacles and achieve academic success.

A Support System

Building a strong support system was essential. My family, friends, and professors provided the encouragement and assistance I needed, helping me push through even when things felt overwhelming. Knowing that I had people to lean on gave me the strength to face each day.

Prioritizing Self-Care

While having a support system was essential, prioritizing self-care was a an equally important lesson. I took a lighter course load when I started treatment for Crohn's Disease and engaged in activities that brought me joy. Weight training relieved stress, and playing board games with my Sci-Fi/Fantasy club offered a much-needed break. These activities helped me maintain balance and reduce stress, proving that finding joy admist challenges was possible.

Developing Coping Strategies

In addition to self-care, managing anxiety and undiagnosed bipolar disorder required effective coping strategies. Breathing exercises became a lifeline during intense anxiety. Often, I’d sit in my car or the bathroom before class, taking deep breaths to calm down. These exercises grounded me and helped me focus, showing that simple techniques could have a powerful impact.

Getting Accommodations

Effective coping strategies were crucial, but seeking accommodations from the accessibility office made college more manageable. Initially, I thought I didn’t need extra help, but accommodations significantly eased my academic challenges. Going through this process taught me that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Seeking Professional Help

Alongside accommodations, therapy played a ctricial role in my journey. Having a therapist before college gave me a head start, and continuing therapy throughout college provided ongoing support. Colleges often offer therapy services, and getting on waiting lists early can make a significant difference.

Utilizing School Resources

Beyond therapy, utilizing school resources like "Learning to Learn" courses and school tutors helped me develop effective study habits and manage my academic responsibilities. These resources provided additional support and guidance, reinforcing the importance of making the most of available tools.

Adapting and Adjusting

Looking back on my six-year journey, I am proud of how far I've come. Graduating with a Bachelor’s in English felt monumental, representing not only an academic achievement, but a testament to my personal growth and resilience. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their goals despite challenges. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and prioritize self-care.

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