Lily Huynh/The Cougar

While college is a journey of being independent and having fun for many students, it could also be their favorite competition.

Battling for the best grade, fighting for the finest internship and getting applauded for being top in the class are some of the things that motivate them to work even harder.

Traditionally, academic validation was a good motivator that kept students running toward goals to get positive reinforcement. 

College is one of the most academically strenuous times in a student’s life so being stressed is normal. Students would find encouragement and the will to keep going through the acknowledgment of their hard work in classes and through their mentors. Finding academic validation would even stem from making loved ones proud. 

But at some point, the hunger for validation through academic success can become dangerously threatening. This motivator to keep working hard would turn to obsession and eventually reverse the traditional positive impact.

While academic validation may look and feel great, this generation has students searching for self-worth in those approvals.

Studies have shown that 80% of college students fall victim to depression, negative self-worth and overall decline of health when striving for academic validation. 

This correlation between negative self-worth because of a bad grade has harsh outcomes. The constant need to be better does not prepare students for failure and rejection, making them fall into the traps of being a perfectionist.

Academic anxiety affects 74% of university students, showing a decline in working memory and affecting their academic accomplishments. Social life, grades and health can all fall down due to this obsession, just like a domino. 

For incoming college students, it is important to acknowledge that academic validation is not everything and does not define the identity of a student.

Grades and marks in classes are simply defining the work done, not the person behind the work. Creating a new mindset is essential to help balance mental health with a successful education.

To help break away from this mindset, focus on outside academics and pursue hobbies. Students should focus on holistic development rather than just sticking to their books. 

It is also important not to run behind the concept of validation itself. Do what you love for yourself.

In most scenarios, people don’t like to fail or get rejected. In college, it will happen more than once. But failing means someone is growing and learning from mistakes.

When a bad grade pops up on the screen, it is normal to feel hurt. Afterwards, just take a moment and learn how to improve. A bad grade does not mean a student is a bad person. 

Another way to help break away from the validation of academics is to focus on learning the material. Stress and pressure from classes can cause students to dissociate, even after reading the material over and over.

A break or two will help rejuvenate the mind and ease stress. 

When your mind has been running and the pressure becomes too much, it’s time to take a break. 

Anna Monroe is the Opinion Editor who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Academic validation does not define you” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

While college is a journey of being independent and having fun for many students, it could also be their favorite competition.

Battling for the best grade, fighting for the finest internship and getting applauded for being top in the class are some of the things that motivate them to work even harder.

Traditionally, academic validation was a good motivator that kept students running toward goals to get positive reinforcement. 

College is one of the most academically strenuous times in a student’s life so being stressed is normal. Students would find encouragement and the will to keep going through the acknowledgment of their hard work in classes and through their mentors. Finding academic validation would even stem from making loved ones proud. 

But at some point, the hunger for validation through academic success can become dangerously threatening. This motivator to keep working hard would turn to obsession and eventually reverse the traditional positive impact.

While academic validation may look and feel great, this generation has students searching for self-worth in those approvals.

Studies have shown that 80% of college students fall victim to depression, negative self-worth and overall decline of health when striving for academic validation. 

This correlation between negative self-worth because of a bad grade has harsh outcomes. The constant need to be better does not prepare students for failure and rejection, making them fall into the traps of being a perfectionist.

Academic anxiety affects 74% of university students, showing a decline in working memory and affecting their academic accomplishments. Social life, grades and health can all fall down due to this obsession, just like a domino. 

For incoming college students, it is important to acknowledge that academic validation is not everything and does not define the identity of a student.

Grades and marks in classes are simply defining the work done, not the person behind the work. Creating a new mindset is essential to help balance mental health with a successful education.

To help break away from this mindset, focus on outside academics and pursue hobbies. Students should focus on holistic development rather than just sticking to their books. 

It is also important not to run behind the concept of validation itself. Do what you love for yourself.

In most scenarios, people don’t like to fail or get rejected. In college, it will happen more than once. But failing means someone is growing and learning from mistakes.

When a bad grade pops up on the screen, it is normal to feel hurt. Afterwards, just take a moment and learn how to improve. A bad grade does not mean a student is a bad person. 

Another way to help break away from the validation of academics is to focus on learning the material. Stress and pressure from classes can cause students to dissociate, even after reading the material over and over.

A break or two will help rejuvenate the mind and ease stress. 

When your mind has been running and the pressure becomes too much, it’s time to take a break. 

Anna Monroe is the Opinion Editor who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Academic validation does not define you” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Now that students have made it into college, it’s time to overcome one of the most feared aspects: making new friends.

There is real power in the connections people make at universities. Connections can teach you new lessons or end up being your forever partner. By finding these support systems, they can become your home away from home. 

Isolation is a common feeling

Going to a university with over 42,000 students may cause feelings of invisibility or being swallowed by the crowd. Between a packed schedule and a brand-new college life, even having the idea of talking to new people is hard.

This scares and makes students shy away from the chance of meeting new people, but this fear is normal. Feeling alone in a loud group where everyone seems to know each other is a common college feeling as well. Breaking the barrier of isolation is hard, but rewarding once the fear is overcome. 

Community leads to connections 

College was designed to be more than just a place for education, but also for business. Everyone knows someone who knows someone, especially at UH.

Through socializing, whether that be an everyday ‘hello’ to a classmate or a conversation with a professor, the opportunities are endless. The advantages of networking might not be instant but with a little bit of confidence, your network can lead to an unexpected opportunity down the road. 

Beyond networking for career opportunities, being outspoken or active in class can help your personal growth. 

For example, volunteering to start a study group for an upcoming test will offer new insights into problems. But without one person offering to come together, those connections might have never happened. In tough moments, collective thinking makes a difference. 

Communities promote mental health

Mental health is one of the most important aspects in a college student’s life. Having a support group or simply having people to talk to can help battle feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress.

When a campus feels huge and overwhelming, having a group where students can feel seen makes all the difference. Studies have shown that through finding companionship, even a person’s physical health can be improved. 

When looking for communities, students want to look towards clubs and groups where people have a common interest. More often than not, people will find good friends while discussing a similar interest.

Having friends beyond the academic circle will promote a feeling of belonging. At UH, there are groups for just about everything.

From student-run dance teams to student car clubs, there is something for everyone. The best way to find a group is through any social media, like Instagram and Reddit.

Organizations on campus are open to help students or be a safe space.

Finding connections on campus can feel like a job or just really nerve-wracking. However, getting to college has already been one of the scariest things and now, building the community is how you make it home. 

Anna Monroe is the Opinion Editor who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“There’s power in campus connections” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Now that students have made it into college, it’s time to overcome one of the most feared aspects: making new friends.

There is real power in the connections people make at universities. Connections can teach you new lessons or end up being your forever partner. By finding these support systems, they can become your home away from home. 

Isolation is a common feeling

Going to a university with over 42,000 students may cause feelings of invisibility or being swallowed by the crowd. Between a packed schedule and a brand-new college life, even having the idea of talking to new people is hard.

This scares and makes students shy away from the chance of meeting new people, but this fear is normal. Feeling alone in a loud group where everyone seems to know each other is a common college feeling as well. Breaking the barrier of isolation is hard, but rewarding once the fear is overcome. 

Community leads to connections 

College was designed to be more than just a place for education, but also for business. Everyone knows someone who knows someone, especially at UH.

Through socializing, whether that be an everyday ‘hello’ to a classmate or a conversation with a professor, the opportunities are endless. The advantages of networking might not be instant but with a little bit of confidence, your network can lead to an unexpected opportunity down the road. 

Beyond networking for career opportunities, being outspoken or active in class can help your personal growth. 

For example, volunteering to start a study group for an upcoming test will offer new insights into problems. But without one person offering to come together, those connections might have never happened. In tough moments, collective thinking makes a difference. 

Communities promote mental health

Mental health is one of the most important aspects in a college student’s life. Having a support group or simply having people to talk to can help battle feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress.

When a campus feels huge and overwhelming, having a group where students can feel seen makes all the difference. Studies have shown that through finding companionship, even a person’s physical health can be improved. 

When looking for communities, students want to look towards clubs and groups where people have a common interest. More often than not, people will find good friends while discussing a similar interest.

Having friends beyond the academic circle will promote a feeling of belonging. At UH, there are groups for just about everything.

From student-run dance teams to student car clubs, there is something for everyone. The best way to find a group is through any social media, like Instagram and Reddit.

Organizations on campus are open to help students or be a safe space.

Finding connections on campus can feel like a job or just really nerve-wracking. However, getting to college has already been one of the scariest things and now, building the community is how you make it home. 

Anna Monroe is the Opinion Editor who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“There’s power in campus connections” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Now that students have made it into college, it’s time to overcome one of the most feared aspects: making new friends.

There is real power in the connections people make at universities. Connections can teach you new lessons or end up being your forever partner. By finding these support systems, they can become your home away from home. 

Isolation is a common feeling

Going to a university with over 42,000 students may cause feelings of invisibility or being swallowed by the crowd. Between a packed schedule and a brand-new college life, even having the idea of talking to new people is hard.

This scares and makes students shy away from the chance of meeting new people, but this fear is normal. Feeling alone in a loud group where everyone seems to know each other is a common college feeling as well. Breaking the barrier of isolation is hard, but rewarding once the fear is overcome. 

Community leads to connections 

College was designed to be more than just a place for education, but also for business. Everyone knows someone who knows someone, especially at UH.

Through socializing, whether that be an everyday ‘hello’ to a classmate or a conversation with a professor, the opportunities are endless. The advantages of networking might not be instant but with a little bit of confidence, your network can lead to an unexpected opportunity down the road. 

Beyond networking for career opportunities, being outspoken or active in class can help your personal growth. 

For example, volunteering to start a study group for an upcoming test will offer new insights into problems. But without one person offering to come together, those connections might have never happened. In tough moments, collective thinking makes a difference. 

Communities promote mental health

Mental health is one of the most important aspects in a college student’s life. Having a support group or simply having people to talk to can help battle feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress.

When a campus feels huge and overwhelming, having a group where students can feel seen makes all the difference. Studies have shown that through finding companionship, even a person’s physical health can be improved. 

When looking for communities, students want to look towards clubs and groups where people have a common interest. More often than not, people will find good friends while discussing a similar interest.

Having friends beyond the academic circle will promote a feeling of belonging. At UH, there are groups for just about everything.

From student-run dance teams to student car clubs, there is something for everyone. The best way to find a group is through any social media, like Instagram and Reddit.

Organizations on campus are open to help students or be a safe space.

Finding connections on campus can feel like a job or just really nerve-wracking. However, getting to college has already been one of the scariest things and now, building the community is how you make it home. 

Anna Monroe is the Opinion Editor who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“There’s power in campus connections” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Now that students have made it into college, it’s time to overcome one of the most feared aspects: making new friends.

There is real power in the connections people make at universities. Connections can teach you new lessons or end up being your forever partner. By finding these support systems, they can become your home away from home. 

Isolation is a common feeling

Going to a university with over 42,000 students may cause feelings of invisibility or being swallowed by the crowd. Between a packed schedule and a brand-new college life, even having the idea of talking to new people is hard.

This scares and makes students shy away from the chance of meeting new people, but this fear is normal. Feeling alone in a loud group where everyone seems to know each other is a common college feeling as well. Breaking the barrier of isolation is hard, but rewarding once the fear is overcome. 

Community leads to connections 

College was designed to be more than just a place for education, but also for business. Everyone knows someone who knows someone, especially at UH.

Through socializing, whether that be an everyday ‘hello’ to a classmate or a conversation with a professor, the opportunities are endless. The advantages of networking might not be instant but with a little bit of confidence, your network can lead to an unexpected opportunity down the road. 

Beyond networking for career opportunities, being outspoken or active in class can help your personal growth. 

For example, volunteering to start a study group for an upcoming test will offer new insights into problems. But without one person offering to come together, those connections might have never happened. In tough moments, collective thinking makes a difference. 

Communities promote mental health

Mental health is one of the most important aspects in a college student’s life. Having a support group or simply having people to talk to can help battle feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress.

When a campus feels huge and overwhelming, having a group where students can feel seen makes all the difference. Studies have shown that through finding companionship, even a person’s physical health can be improved. 

When looking for communities, students want to look towards clubs and groups where people have a common interest. More often than not, people will find good friends while discussing a similar interest.

Having friends beyond the academic circle will promote a feeling of belonging. At UH, there are groups for just about everything.

From student-run dance teams to student car clubs, there is something for everyone. The best way to find a group is through any social media, like Instagram and Reddit.

Organizations on campus are open to help students or be a safe space.

Finding connections on campus can feel like a job or just really nerve-wracking. However, getting to college has already been one of the scariest things and now, building the community is how you make it home. 

Anna Monroe is the Opinion Editor who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“There’s power in campus connections” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Traditionally, incoming college students are expected to finish college in four years. However, with changing education systems and new standards for student life, it might take a little bit longer.

Nowadays, students can take up to six years to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

Unrealistic expectations 

The expectations of college students are ever changing due to the non-negotiable of having multiple jobs, internships and more schoolwork every semester. 70% of college students work an average of 30 hours per week, according to studies.

With the additional clubs, extracurriculars and internships, there is hardly any room for social life, much less a mental break. Of course, juggling these all-too-real expectations is different for everyone, but it is common nonetheless.

So the feeling that time is pressing like a can crusher is widely known.

Life changes

No, a student is not falling behind if they take more than four years in college and no, that is not uncommon. Therefore, you’re not alone.

The new “successful graduation rate” set by colleges across the U.S. has been moved to six to eight years. Still, most universities pressure students to finish in four years. Yet, we all know that life happens and other factors can affect how long it takes to graduate. 

It could be a health scare, changing a major, putting family as a priority or simply needing a break. Whatever the reason may be, that should not cause a student to feel like a failure or unmotivated. 

The idea that a student has to complete their degree in a certain amount of time can be damaging to a student’s mental health, especially if their circumstances don’t align with the expectations of a college degree. School can be done in multiple different ways, from taking one class every semester to 12 hours in a semester. Of course, this is a conversation that needs to be had with an academic advisor to find a solution that best aligns with your needs. 

Give yourself grace

With every overwhelming aspect, it is not a crime for students to give themselves grace. Mental health is a very important factor in the success of every student’s college journey. So, giving the mind a break is necessary.

Whether this means cutting back on a class and graduating in five years instead of four, it will not shatter anyone’s academic success. This also leaves room for students to focus on academic material in class instead of rushing through all the assignments.

School is meant for learning and growing, so this extra time can give opportunities to appreciate the content of different classes. Giving grace to a packed schedule will improve overall health, thus leading to better grades in school without the constant pressure. 

Adding another year will also allow students to have a life outside of school. Enjoying college life with friends and events will leave students with unforgettable memories.

A student is more than a college work machine, but a person, too. It is human to go out and have fun, even if that means adding another semester. 

opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Enjoy the college journey, there is no deadline to graduate” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Traditionally, incoming college students are expected to finish college in four years. However, with changing education systems and new standards for student life, it might take a little bit longer.

Nowadays, students can take up to six years to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

Unrealistic expectations 

The expectations of college students are ever changing due to the non-negotiable of having multiple jobs, internships and more schoolwork every semester. 70% of college students work an average of 30 hours per week, according to studies.

With the additional clubs, extracurriculars and internships, there is hardly any room for social life, much less a mental break. Of course, juggling these all-too-real expectations is different for everyone, but it is common nonetheless.

So the feeling that time is pressing like a can crusher is widely known.

Life changes

No, a student is not falling behind if they take more than four years in college and no, that is not uncommon. Therefore, you’re not alone.

The new “successful graduation rate” set by colleges across the U.S. has been moved to six to eight years. Still, most universities pressure students to finish in four years. Yet, we all know that life happens and other factors can affect how long it takes to graduate. 

It could be a health scare, changing a major, putting family as a priority or simply needing a break. Whatever the reason may be, that should not cause a student to feel like a failure or unmotivated. 

The idea that a student has to complete their degree in a certain amount of time can be damaging to a student’s mental health, especially if their circumstances don’t align with the expectations of a college degree. School can be done in multiple different ways, from taking one class every semester to 12 hours in a semester. Of course, this is a conversation that needs to be had with an academic advisor to find a solution that best aligns with your needs. 

Give yourself grace

With every overwhelming aspect, it is not a crime for students to give themselves grace. Mental health is a very important factor in the success of every student’s college journey. So, giving the mind a break is necessary.

Whether this means cutting back on a class and graduating in five years instead of four, it will not shatter anyone’s academic success. This also leaves room for students to focus on academic material in class instead of rushing through all the assignments.

School is meant for learning and growing, so this extra time can give opportunities to appreciate the content of different classes. Giving grace to a packed schedule will improve overall health, thus leading to better grades in school without the constant pressure. 

Adding another year will also allow students to have a life outside of school. Enjoying college life with friends and events will leave students with unforgettable memories.

A student is more than a college work machine, but a person, too. It is human to go out and have fun, even if that means adding another semester. 

opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Enjoy the college journey, there is no deadline to graduate” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Traditionally, incoming college students are expected to finish college in four years. However, with changing education systems and new standards for student life, it might take a little bit longer.

Nowadays, students can take up to six years to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

Unrealistic expectations 

The expectations of college students are ever changing due to the non-negotiable of having multiple jobs, internships and more schoolwork every semester. 70% of college students work an average of 30 hours per week, according to studies.

With the additional clubs, extracurriculars and internships, there is hardly any room for social life, much less a mental break. Of course, juggling these all-too-real expectations is different for everyone, but it is common nonetheless.

So the feeling that time is pressing like a can crusher is widely known.

Life changes

No, a student is not falling behind if they take more than four years in college and no, that is not uncommon. Therefore, you’re not alone.

The new “successful graduation rate” set by colleges across the U.S. has been moved to six to eight years. Still, most universities pressure students to finish in four years. Yet, we all know that life happens and other factors can affect how long it takes to graduate. 

It could be a health scare, changing a major, putting family as a priority or simply needing a break. Whatever the reason may be, that should not cause a student to feel like a failure or unmotivated. 

The idea that a student has to complete their degree in a certain amount of time can be damaging to a student’s mental health, especially if their circumstances don’t align with the expectations of a college degree. School can be done in multiple different ways, from taking one class every semester to 12 hours in a semester. Of course, this is a conversation that needs to be had with an academic advisor to find a solution that best aligns with your needs. 

Give yourself grace

With every overwhelming aspect, it is not a crime for students to give themselves grace. Mental health is a very important factor in the success of every student’s college journey. So, giving the mind a break is necessary.

Whether this means cutting back on a class and graduating in five years instead of four, it will not shatter anyone’s academic success. This also leaves room for students to focus on academic material in class instead of rushing through all the assignments.

School is meant for learning and growing, so this extra time can give opportunities to appreciate the content of different classes. Giving grace to a packed schedule will improve overall health, thus leading to better grades in school without the constant pressure. 

Adding another year will also allow students to have a life outside of school. Enjoying college life with friends and events will leave students with unforgettable memories.

A student is more than a college work machine, but a person, too. It is human to go out and have fun, even if that means adding another semester. 

opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Enjoy the college journey, there is no deadline to graduate” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Traditionally, incoming college students are expected to finish college in four years. However, with changing education systems and new standards for student life, it might take a little bit longer.

Nowadays, students can take up to six years to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

Unrealistic expectations 

The expectations of college students are ever changing due to the non-negotiable of having multiple jobs, internships and more schoolwork every semester. 70% of college students work an average of 30 hours per week, according to studies.

With the additional clubs, extracurriculars and internships, there is hardly any room for social life, much less a mental break. Of course, juggling these all-too-real expectations is different for everyone, but it is common nonetheless.

So the feeling that time is pressing like a can crusher is widely known.

Life changes

No, a student is not falling behind if they take more than four years in college and no, that is not uncommon. Therefore, you’re not alone.

The new “successful graduation rate” set by colleges across the U.S. has been moved to six to eight years. Still, most universities pressure students to finish in four years. Yet, we all know that life happens and other factors can affect how long it takes to graduate. 

It could be a health scare, changing a major, putting family as a priority or simply needing a break. Whatever the reason may be, that should not cause a student to feel like a failure or unmotivated. 

The idea that a student has to complete their degree in a certain amount of time can be damaging to a student’s mental health, especially if their circumstances don’t align with the expectations of a college degree. School can be done in multiple different ways, from taking one class every semester to 12 hours in a semester. Of course, this is a conversation that needs to be had with an academic advisor to find a solution that best aligns with your needs. 

Give yourself grace

With every overwhelming aspect, it is not a crime for students to give themselves grace. Mental health is a very important factor in the success of every student’s college journey. So, giving the mind a break is necessary.

Whether this means cutting back on a class and graduating in five years instead of four, it will not shatter anyone’s academic success. This also leaves room for students to focus on academic material in class instead of rushing through all the assignments.

School is meant for learning and growing, so this extra time can give opportunities to appreciate the content of different classes. Giving grace to a packed schedule will improve overall health, thus leading to better grades in school without the constant pressure. 

Adding another year will also allow students to have a life outside of school. Enjoying college life with friends and events will leave students with unforgettable memories.

A student is more than a college work machine, but a person, too. It is human to go out and have fun, even if that means adding another semester. 

opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Enjoy the college journey, there is no deadline to graduate” was originally posted on The Cougar