feeling...OVERWHELMED? 9.3.20

Dear Students, 

SO. MUCH. WORK. 

You have so much work! 

And the library feels desolate and lonely so why bother, and the regularly scheduled things you're used to just aren't there, and you can't catch positive social energy in quite the same way when campus is a lightly populated sea of people walking alone, wearing masks, and looking down at their phones because they feel weird walking by other people whom they may or may not recognize based on eyes and eyebrows alone. Best to avoid a potentially awkward situation and text your mom.

What's left? Sometimes it might feel like it's just you, your work, and your room. 

And with this condensed semester the work can feel overwhelming. Many of you have already written papers and taken exams, and it's only the second week! 

First: take a breath. Actually, take a few breaths. This is hard! Don't expect yourself to perform and engage in the ways you once did - because you can't. It's a different environment, and it requires a different approach. 

Next: reach out for help when you need it. Talk to your professors, bosses, house deans, HAs, friends on campus, friends at home, family, and, ahem, counselors. Slow down, look around, notice and ask for what you need. Maybe special time out with roommates? Or a conversation with a close friend from home, a long hot shower, excellent music and a cup of tea, a walk all by yourself, a socially distanced walk with someone you love to be with and haven't seen in person since returning to campus? 

This is hard for everyone. Every single person in this community. We all need help, we all need support, and we all need to take breaks!!

Call us if we can help. We're here.

Warmly, 

Lauren, Susan, Katharina, Meagan, Kelly, Alexis and Gene