Mental Health and Handling Stress at Georgia Tech (by Jaci Csubak)
College is a time for self-growth and development, but among other things the transition can be very challenging and difficult. Freshman are faced with living in a dorm, making new friends, and balancing the academics of Georgia Tech. Even as a rising fourth year, I still become overwhelmed with the daily challenges of taking care of myself and finding the balance between school and social life.
Here’s just a couple of tips that have allowed me to enjoy my time here at tech:
Find your support system:
Whether that’s in Greek life or another organization. Find your people. My people just so happened to be in Alpha Xi Delta, and for these girls I’m SO thankful! They’ve been here for me every step of the way and have continued to pick me up every time I’ve needed it.
Find comfort that we are all struggling and going through this together.
Take risks.
Put yourself out there. Talk to the people on your floor. Allow yourself to meet new people and create those connections. It’s so important to get involved with the Georgia Tech community. At the end of the day, we are here to support one another so join that club or organization!
You are worth more than your grades!
At a school like tech, it’s easy to feel like there is always someone smarter or more equipped than you. Most people here experience Imposter Syndrome and it can be extremely detrimental to one’s mental health. You are enough! You deserve to be here!
Know when to take a break.
At the end of the day, your mental health is the most important thing. Know when you need a break and go for a walk or hang with friends. It will end up helping your academics more than you’d think.
Challenge your beliefs.
At no other point in your life will you be surrounded by so many people of different walks of life! Have those difficult conversations. Learn and grow from these experiences.
Have fun!!
College is only 4 to 5 years of your life! It’s important to take advantage of the time you have here!!