One word that inevitably popped into my head while going into this assignment: stress. Not because it was difficult or stressful—if anything, it was the complete opposite—but because all college students ever seem to be is stressed. I wasn’t sure if most of the people I asked would be negative, positive, or even closed off about the topic. To my surprise, I found that everyone was very willing and open to chat about their mental and physical health.
One student I asked was very honest and shared an experience she had earlier this year. “I was very mentally unstable because I was under so much stress with coming here to play soccer and then adjusting to the whole college thing,” she began, “now I focus on school and since that’s the only thing I ever worry about now, I’m doing much better.” It seems to be when students have a lot on their plate, life can easily become overwhelming, especially when various tasks seem as if they’re piling one on top of the other.
Another student I asked, who also happened to be a freshman, explained that going to school and not dorming could easily become isolated, and I personally couldn’t agree more. “It got pretty lonely as a commuter. I guess ‘cause I was just going to class and home right after; there wasn’t much to do,” the boy stated. He also mentioned that his physical health improved because he got 6-8 hours of sleep, instead of the mere 4 hours he was used to getting in high school.
I chose Rowan Boulevard for my picture because it is a spot on campus where students often go to take their mind off of the stresses of college.
Overall, I would say everyone I interviewed had ups and downs, just as life itself does, too. Stress is inevitable for college students to experience, whether it be good or bad. Eustress is the kind of stress that is considered “good,” because it benefits our life experiences. “I allow myself to let things go and not stress about everything. I look at things with a different perspective, helping me feel more positive,” a third Rowan student stated.
The impression I got from everyone I interviewed was realistic, positive, and held together with lots of perseverance. I noticed that all the students seemed to be driven by the so-called enemy of stress, but in reality it only helped them succeed and work hard for their future.
