First Six Weeks

Semester Fatigue: A Student Perspective

February 19, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Between assignments, quizzes, projects, and exams, the semester is starting to ramp up. I have four exams this week and have absolutely no clue where to begin. It’s to the point where I don’t do anything because there is so much that needs to be completed. College burnout is a real thing, and I’m here to tell you that it’s okay.

It can be hard when you have so many things to do for your classes while also being involved in other things (such as a job or an organization on campus). Coming from someone with an on-campus job and being involved in two campus organizations (a sorority and a Sophomore Leadership Organization [SLO]), let me tell you, my brakes are wearing thin. On top of all of these things, I am also trying to maintain the relationships that I have built.

I feel overwhelmed while also having no motivation. How can that be? There’s so much I can be doing, so why do I feel stuck?

Burnout. It’s a real thing, and if no one has told you this before, it’s okay to not feel like you can give 100% to everything. When it comes to my life and all of the extracurriculars I am involved in, picking and choosing is a constant battle. My assignments need to get done, but what about that date party I signed up for?–No, scratch that. My friends asked me to go out shopping with them…but I also have a social for my SLO.

Learning to prioritize can be a game changer. By focusing on what’s essential and allowing yourself a few personal indulgences, you can avoid overloading your plate. This strategy isn’t a permanent fix, but it can help during particularly stressful times. When life feels overwhelming, concentrate on completing necessary tasks and make sure to carve out time for yourself.

Here are a few strategies that I have found helpful and might help you manage your burnout:

Create a plan: Break things down into small, manageable chunks. Having a clear-cut plan can help things feel less overwhelming.
Set boundaries: Remind yourself that it is ok to say no to your extra commitments. Focus on your needs and what truly matters to you.
Practice self-care: Make time for personal activities that help recharge your energy.
Ask for help: Reach out to friends and loved ones for support. Texas A&M University is a large campus, and it’s important to know that you are not alone.

Keep in mind that college can be challenging. Make your well-being a priority and recognize that your 100% can vary. What might be easy to accomplish this week could be more difficult the next. Finally, your best is unique to you. We are all running our own race, with different hurdles and challenges, so avoid comparing yourself to others. It may be cliché, but college isn’t a sprint, it is indeed a marathon!

Finding Comfort and Joy: Overcoming Homesickness

February 3, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Starting a new chapter at a new university is an exciting adventure, but let’s be real–it can also be a bit daunting, especially when homesickness sneaks up on you like a pop quiz. The longing for home and familiarity, paired with feelings of loneliness even if surrounded by people, can be overwhelming. It’s natural, and encouraged, to seek comfort when experiencing these feelings. Here are some effective strategies to help combat these feelings and make the transition smoother:

Practice self-care. It’s important during this time to prioritize your mental health. Whether it be by cleaning and caring for your physical space or your mental one. Pursue your hobbies and do things that bring you joy. Making your space feel like home is another great way to practice self-care. Spruce up your home or room with pictures or paintings, rugs and lamps, etc.

Get active! While staying home can be a great source of comfort, too much time alone can be isolating. Spend time outdoors, try a new sport, or get involved on campus! You can also explore new environments, so if you’re looking for new places to try, check out Visit College Station or Destination Bryan.

“My whole life I have lived in the same house, so moving away was definitely out of my comfort zone. At the beginning of the year, I was extremely homesick and constantly wanted to drive back home. Overcoming it is not easy, but it is possible when you realize there is so much to offer here at Texas A&M University, and there are so many opportunities to look forward to,” said Avery Morgenroth ‘28.

Stay connected. Maintain strong relationships with your hometown friends and family through regular calls and texts. Aside from staying connected with loved ones, focus on yourself too. Set short- and long-term goals, establish a routine, and prioritize your personal growth.

Vanina Poulsen, ‘25 says “Getting homesick as a transfer is super common. I left a whole group of friends to come to another school with all new people. To get through it, I talk to my family every day, and I go see my friends from my old college.”

Embrace the transition. Understand that homesickness is a perfectly normal feeling, especially among college students. However, instead of bottling things up and pushing those feelings aside, embrace them. Talk about it with friends and family, and most importantly, stay positive. Recognize that not all transitions are easy, and some take time to conquer.

“Everyone gets homesick eventually, and having people to lean on made it easier to handle. It’s so important to have a support system, even if it’s not the one you’re used to,” said Claire Lewis, ‘25.

No matter where you are in your college journey, from your first semester to your last, homesickness can hit when you least expect it and is a natural part of the transition. Embrace the process, make new friends, and find your rhythm. It's okay to miss home, but don't forget to enjoy the present and all the opportunities that come with it.

The Hidden Benefits of Attending Class

January 27, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

When it comes to college, there are times when going to class seems like an option. Attendance may not be required, lecture slides and videos may be posted to Canvas, both eliminating the need to attend in person. However, being present in your courses provides you with both immediate and future benefits.

Short-Term Benefits

Obtaining important information. Sometimes, while the slides may be in Canvas, all the information you'll need may not be in the slide deck. You can lose important details by missing a lecture.

Connecting with professors. While the benefits of this are not a given, building a relationship with your professors by going to office hours or participating in lectures shows dedication. This can make it easier to get help and potentially gain leniency on grades. Professors can also inform you about internships or Teaching Assistant positions, which are great for resume-building.

Forming study groups. Study groups are a great way to maximize your learning potential, especially in difficult classes. They provide opportunities to discuss content with peers and serve as a helpful study tool for exams. However, be sure to follow class policies and adhere to the Aggie Honor Code

Preparations for exams and finals. Some professors treat the class (or two) before an exam as a review period, going over any questions or reviewing must-know content. While some may notify you of this review, others may not, making regular attendance beneficial; a missed class is a missed opportunity.

Understanding the material. Attending class helps expand on assigned readings and emphasizes important topics. Often, the lecture and assigned readings go hand-in-hand, making it beneficial to hear the professor’s connections.

Long-Term Benefits

Creating positive habits. The routine of attending class will help you reinforce good habits that will serve you well in your future career. Punctuality, time management, and consistency are just a few habits you gain from attending class regularly.

Enhancing soft skills. Employers value soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are in the top 10 of LinkedIn’s list of “Most In-Demand Skills.” You are actively practicing and learning these skills by attending and participating in class.

Networking and building connections. Classes within your major or field of study provide opportunities to network with classmates, guest speakers, and professors. These can lead to potential job opportunities or, at the very least, spark interest in specific career paths. Having these professional connections is a big help in finding future employment. The saying “it’s who you know,” isn’t unfounded.

Now that you know the benefits of committing to making it to class, it’s essential to recognize what's best for you and set yourself up for success. Whether you function best in the mornings or afternoons, use your personal experience to set your schedule and make the most of your productive hours. It’s all about balance and finding what works best for you. So, before skipping class, think about the opportunities and growth that await you by showing up. Your dedication will pay off in the long run!

Back to Campus: Thriving After the Break!

January 22, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Returning to school after any extended break can be a challenge. After weeks away, jumping straight back into education mode might feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect your first few weeks back and some strategies to help you navigate potential challenges.

What to Expect:

Stronger course load. You may have taken on fewer hours in the fall to start the year off at a manageable pace. If this is the case for you, and your upcoming term’s schedule is heavier than before, the increased course load may seem daunting; that’s normal!
More independence. Whether this is your first or second semester at Texas A&M, you will start to experience more independence. This could be that you need less guidance from advisors, or maybe your previous study groups have separated into their own majors. Remember that as your independence grows, it doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Pair your newfound capabilities with the tools and resources available to you to make yourself unstoppable this semester and beyond.
Post-holiday blues. Winter break is a great time to decompress after a hectic semester and finals, but being away for a month makes it difficult to get back into the swing of the semester. It can be hard to leave the comfort and familiarity of your home and readjust to being a student again.

Winning Approaches:

Time management and organization. The best way to handle the overwhelming load of the semester is to manage your time and stay organized. There are many great tools for keeping track of your assignments and to-do items such as the Navigate app or a calendar app!
Take things slow and set goals. If your calendar looks overwhelming, tackle it one task at a time. Create small, achievable goals, and remember that not everything has to be done at once. Pairing this approach with organization will make it easier to manage the new semester.
Don’t forget to connect with your professors. Even if you are comfortable with the material, getting to know your professor is essential. You never know when having that connection will come in handy. Connect after class or drop by their office hours.

Not all of these points may apply to you, but the most important thing to remember is to take time for yourself. It’s normal to feel out of place after winter break and to crave security. Allow yourself time to readjust to your surroundings and get back into the groove of college life.