The Rush to the End
Imagine this all-too-common scenario: you’re a senior balancing your classes, trying to gain experience in your field, and trying to land a job after graduation. This is the reality for me and so many others. As someone who has changed their major quite a few times, I finally found a happy home studying English Literature. But it also means that I need to make up for lost time. This semester has been one of the hardest for me because I am choosing to put so many things on my plate. I attend regular therapy sessions to better my mental health, have a part-time job, balance a full class schedule, and try to squeeze in some real-world experience for my field. My plate is pretty hefty, so I’m going to lay out all the anxious thoughts that run through my head alongside some solutions I’ve found that work for me. Also, as a student at the University of Central Florida, I will be highlighting a few on-campus resources that will be a true lifesaver. Having had the chance to try out different departments on campus, I’m able to talk about how they helped me out for the better.
Ways to Gain Control of Anxiety
Stress has become my bestie and we’re only halfway through the semester. My mind is in a constant cycle of worrying about what move to make next. Whenever I check my calendar for the day over breakfast, I feel like all my time is accounted for; I am booked to the max while barely scheduling some free time. It gets to the point where my head is a mess of anxious thoughts and I’m running out of time. I get jittery and forget how to breathe. My mind fills up and it feels like I’m drowning. It has been so hard to learn and understand my anxiety. Being in therapy these last couple of months has helped, but I still feel like my anxiety can take control when I don’t want it to.
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Grounding Techniques
In these heated moments, I try my best to bring out a deep breathing technique, called “boxed breathing”, which comforts me. I look for a quiet place that allows me to spend a few minutes with myself, close my eyes, and follow this pattern: breathe in for a count of two, hold for two seconds, and then breathe out for a count of two. Do this pattern for two, four, and then six seconds. This technique allows you to calm down your nervous system and improve focus so that you can move forward in a calmer state.
Thinking positive, grounding thoughts while touching a textured surface or item can also provide comfort. You can play with your favorite fidget toy or take off your shoes to rub the bottoms of your feet along some carpet. The act of touching something can help you center yourself.
Don’t get it twisted, this is definitely not an easy feat. In this mental tug of war that I’m not sure I win often, learning to manage anxiety can lessen the negative symptoms over time. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about trying, even a little, every day. There will be hard days, but you can work through them.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Your mindset and mental health should be a focus for you in a time like this. Many challenges will be thrown in your path, but you can get through them. I want you to remember that you’re not alone. I’ve learned from the people around me that in times of distress, it’s helpful to hear from a person who understands what you’re going through. Finishing up college is not an easy task. You are not a burden for talking about your problems. It’s not easy, but once you start leaning on other people it will become less scary to do.
It is worth putting time aside for self-care. Having a good morning and night routine ensures that you take care of yourself. This time gives you a chance to connect with yourself, clear your mind, and work towards a better mindset
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Making a Solid Plan
Through all the rumble and bustle of planning your future, remember to look at the positives. You get to slowly learn more about the career that piques your interest while thinking about how you want to set up life after graduation. This can look different for every person, so here is a rough guide on how to start.
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The Basics
Start with honestly describing the major you’re studying. Is there any passion or do you feel lost? Explore those feelings openly to understand where you are and where you want to be.
Write down all of the things you’re confused about, don’t know anything about, or want to know more about. Set a baseline for the knowledge you have alongside what you can learn when you reach out for help.
On-Campus Resources
The Career Services center along Memory Mall is incredible. I have met with a few advisors whom I ask for advice on ways to gain experience in my career field, how to spice up my resume, what I can do on the side to improve my skills, and any other questions that come to mind. This center is well-equipped with making sure students are given resources, good advice, and more so they can succeed.
KMETC, Knights Major Exploration and Transition Center, is also a great place to go if you aren’t sure what the right major is for you. I went to them for help and was able to learn a lot about what I enjoy and what career field I want a future in. They helped guide me in the right direction!
There are many additional places on campus that can provide exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t be discouraged or embarrassed about asking for help because sometimes it’s necessary for you to get to where you want to be.
Strike Out,
Orlando
Writer: Melanie Diel
Editors: Nina Rueda & Olivia Wagner
