Life is beautiful, and unpredictable at the same time. Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking about how we are feeling. Do we ask for help when situations are difficult?
As a teacher, I see the stress, the pressure, and the challenges that come with the semester. But it also makes me wonder about other members of our beloved community. How are you feeling as the semester moves forward?
The more the semester advances, the more I see the need to acknowledge that many people carry struggles that are not always visible. Between classes, work, responsibilities and personal challenges, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
When situations are difficult, we must spread our wings and fly. If I have learned something in my 27 spins around the Earth, it is that we all shine in our own way.
We are unique and irreplaceable. The stars shine even when we cannot see them because of the clouds. The same happens with us and how we see ourselves.
There might be tough times when we will not see the light at the end of the tunnel. We might want to give up. That is when we have to push forward and remember that we have survived every difficult day of our lives.
Something I tell my students is that we are all like butterflies. We have beautiful wings, but we do not always see them. Sometimes it takes reflection or someone else to remind us of our strength.
Reaching out is never a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is a sign of bravery. It means we recognize that we want to share what we are going through with someone else, even if it is difficult.
Thankfully, our campus offers resources that support mental health and well being.
Counseling and Psychological Services, commonly known as CAPS, is located near the Student Union and provides confidential counseling and guidance for students experiencing stress, anxiety or personal challenges. LiveWell also promotes wellness on campus through programs and workshops that encourage students to prioritize self-care.
In this fast-paced world we live in, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own light. And once you find it, pass it on.
