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College 101: Talk to Me!Nov 23 '04 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Get it off your chest! Bare your soul, and you will feel a helluva lot better. Regardless of what year you are in school, you will face difficulties. These difficulties may come in the form of family, friends, classes, homesickness... you get the idea. The absolute worst thing that you can do is bottle everything inside of you. There are different ways to work through the stress that you feel due to these difficulties. The best way, of course, is to talk to someone. Vent. Cry. Moan. Complain. Whine. Go ahead. Everyone does it. You'll feel better once you let everything out. Trust me, you will never be at a loss to find someone to listen. Of course, those that listen may chime in with woes of their own. Who should you go to with your problems? Your Family Often times, it's great to speak with a member of your family about the issues you are having at school. Usually, they will automatically take your side and sympathize with you. Most of the time, that is exactly what you need. When I wanted comfort while I was in college, I would call my mom. When I wanted someone to take my side, I would call my sister. When I wanted honesty, I'd get Uncle Tony on the phone. When I wanted to be "oohed" and "ahhed" over, I would ring up my grandmother. I'm sure you can find someone in your family that you can count on to elicit certain feelings that you want. You know your family-- they are your heart. Sometimes it helps just to talk to them. Your Roommate Sometimes your family is who you are having the issues with! Who better to speak with than your roommate? Granted, not all roommates are the best of friends or even on speaking terms, so this might not suit every reader. Throughout the school year, your roommate will see you run the gamut of emotions. (And vice versa, of course.) You live with your roommate... Might as well open up to them. Not only will you feel better, but your relationship with your roommate will grow stronger. Your Friends Of course, you've always got friends that you can go to with your problems. Whether they are on campus or back home, it's always nice to have someone your age that you can talk to. Often times, they are going through the same things you are and can totally empathize with your situation. However, you might find that you are competing with them to talk about your own problems. A conversation that started about how you miss your family might turn into a conversation about your friend's romantic problems. It can get frustrating, and some resentment may build up against that friend. Try to be patient with them. They might have problems of their own that they can't handle, so you'll have to find someone else to talk to. The Campus Clergy Communication is encouraged in every religion. Help is a main aspect of every religion. Forgiveness is given in every religion. Sometimes there are things weighing on your conscience that you can't tell your friends or your family. When I was in college, something happened that I was too embarassed to go to anyone. So, I went down to the Newman Center (the Catholic Church on campus) and spoke with a priest. I knew that he wouldn't tell anyone, and I felt a heck of a lot better once I got everything off my chest. Some of my friends had done the same thing with the Newman Center as well as the centers for other religions on campus. Student Health At many colleges, Student Health offers therapy. I have many, many friends that have gone to campus therapists to talk about their problems. The best part? This therapy is usually FREE. When else will you EVER be able to take advantage of FREE therapy??? These therapists are trained and skilled in dealing with the problems that you may have. Take advantage of their presence and go talk with them. Don't feel stupid of self-conscious. Everything is confidential. No one even has to know that you are there. They won't judge you. This is the only time that they figure into your life. Hey-- Tony Soprano does it. Are you too much of a tough guy to do it, too? I won't lie: College is hard. College is especially hard if you're away from home for the first time. Talking about things will make you feel better. Don't be so insecure and self conscious-- express yourself. Avoid that ulcer! If you don't get it out, it may become very hard for you to concentrate on your studies. The worst thing that you can do is to think that you are alone in your situation. You're not. Many college students have felt the same things before you, and many more will after you're long gone. Do yourself a favor and talk about it with someone.  |
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