Anxious about School? This Should Help
Many students are nervous about school starting, but let me tell you why it’s okay to feel this way.
Olivia Synek / Opinion Editor / The USD Vista
Are you feeling a little anxious about school starting? Well I know I am and guess what, I want you to know that it is completely normal to feel that way. I still get worried about my first day of classes, but there are a few decisions I made during my first year on campus that eased my nervousness about school starting. It’s easy to tell someone why they should not be anxious about something, but not many people talk about why it’s ultimately okay to not feel okay, to feel anxious about specific things.
Hi. I am Olivia. I am a rising junior. Something I am passionate about is normalizing anxiety. College, in general, can come with a lot of anxious thoughts. When I started at USD, I had no idea what I was interested in across the board; I did not know what I wanted to study, what organizations I wanted to be a part of, how I wanted to present myself, etc.
Something I did know though, was how normal it was to feel how I was feeling. It was my first time living away from home and making decisions solely for myself, and a lot of other students were going through similar transitions. Here are some examples of why students can feel anxious about school along with some suggestions.
If you feel anxious about what you want to study
Students do not have to declare their major until second semester sophomore year so you have time. Again, I had no idea what I wanted my major to be. What is helpful about USD is the core curriculum. This allowed me to take all sorts of different courses in order to receive credit for core classes. To fulfill the communication studies core requirement, I took Introduction to Media Studies my first semester of college and ended up wanting to take more classes similar to media studies.
If you feel anxious about making friends/finding your place at USD
Twice a year, or once a semester, USD puts on a clubs/organizations fair which showcases all of the organizations on campus; it is called Alcala Bazaar. My advice is to attend the Alcala Bazaar and join any organization or club/intramural team that you find even the least bit interesting. This was my approach to Alcala Bazaar and I would not have done it any other way. I went to every first club meeting and from there I chose which organizations I wanted to prioritize. I made most of my friends and connections from the organizations that I am a part of on campus, such as being a tour guide, being in a sorority, and writing for the vista.
If you feel anxious about having in-person classes
A lot of students, especially USD upperclassmen, have spent over a year completing their classes on zoom. This means most people will be nervous about having classes in person again. I am confident, however, that professors at USD will be understanding and help the best they can at re-acclimating students to in-person work.
If you feel anxious about being away from family or other generalized anxieties
USD has a counseling center on campus; it is just on the second floor of Saints Tekakwitha Hall. At the counseling center, you can see a counselor only once, have more regular sessions with them for a set amount of time, or join therapy groups. I know many students who have taken advantage of the many services the center has to offer.
Bottom line, it’s completely normal to be worried about school starting. As we approach a sense of normalcy as school reopens to students, things will be a lot different. If ever stressed in the moment, take a breather outside whether it’s in the Garden of the Sea, Mission Beach, Sunset Cliffs, etc. Never hide from your anxiety, think through it, confide in friends, or talk to someone. I have found plenty of resources at USD and in what living in San Diego has to offer. Don’t worry, more often than not, people are worried and stressed about the exact same thing.