As the fall semester begins for college students across the country, preparations are made in order to return to the hustle of campus life. Some students worry about making their way from class to class on time, some worry about balancing their academics with their social calendars, and others worry about supporting themselves financially while still managing a focus on school work.
The beginning of any semester is potentially stressful for many students. However, this stress magnifies for students on a college campus for the first time or students who took a significant amount of time off. It doesn't matter whether they are freshmen leaving their homes for the first time, non-traditional students going back to finish their educations, or just people who took some time off due to bumps in the road.
Coming back to campus for me is a triumphant return. I had some trouble throughout my career at the University of Oklahoma and taking time off from school was my only choice when I was badly injured in an accident. I am excited to return to school and finally finish my degree; however, the excitement is almost overshadowed by the stress and anxiety I feel when I think about being in the classroom again.
I am not the same person I was in 2014 when I almost lost my life. My accident left me almost completely deaf in my left ear and complications from a Traumatic Brain Injury make completing assignments much more difficult than before my accident. I was in school over the past year, but I only took six hours of online classes, so this is my first semester back on campus taking a full-time load of classes.
Let me just tell you... I am terrified.
Although while terrified, I am also determined.
I know I am not the only one returning to school after taking some time off for health reasons, family, or a multitude of other issues equally important, and I am here telling you you can do it. I believe in you, and I know many others believe in you, too.
The University of Oklahoma offers many resources to their students - use them. If you think you need academic assistance, they have tutoring options. If you have a disability affecting your academic ability, the Disability Resource Center is the place to go. If writing is not your strong suit, the Writing Center is for you. Please use the resources provided to you.
You will feel so much better, and your stress levels will go down. Most universities offer their own versions of these programs, and (as someone who is stubborn and hates asking for help) they are worth it.
Ask for the help.
If you are having a rough day on campus, and you see me around, say hey. I am not one for hugging strangers, but I'll give you a pat on the back, and I'll tell you you're doing a great job.
You can do this. We can all do this.
