An Open Letter to All Students starting a New Academic Journey

Dear Students,

Recently you embarked on a new academic journey. Congratulations to you for taking a step forward in upskilling yourself! We will always root for your success.

As you start this fantastic journey, you may have found yourself trying to scramble a lot of things - class schedules, assignments, projects, extra co-curricular activities. Suddenly 24 hours a day seem too less. This is when anxiety creeps in, you feel helpless to a point that you question your decision to start a degree program. You are running in all directions, only to bump into more issues. This starts to grow on you, burdens you and sometimes even breaks your confidence.

If you are that student, I want you to know that it is OK to feel that way.

One of my mentors gave me some advice when several years ago I was feeling the same way -

"If it was easy, everybody would be doing it"

When you start something new, you need to give yourself credit for putting an idea into action. You are a Winner already. But this is when we need to strategize how we can contain any adversities and move forward towards success. But before we jump to resolve any issues, there is a question I would like you to ponder upon -

"What do you do when you enter a dark room?"

You stand still. You maybe panicking at this moment. You may also be shouting for help. But after a bit, you contain your movement and you try to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. You bring all your experience and skills into this equation and may start moving slowly in a direction, where you try to understand what is around you. You may try to adjust your pupils to see if it helps you see at all. You look for a light switch or something that can help you see better. In short, you try looking for resources that can help you.

Starting a new academic year is just like being in this dark room.

Unfamiliarity of your surroundings can be a hassle. But you must not forget that this is not the first challenge you are facing and you do have the skills to surmount this one too. There are a few tips that can help -

1. Explore as much as you can. Your campus, events, classes, anything and everything that the institution can offer, explore! This helps you become more aware. And a person who is aware, has the ability to contain their anxiety.
2. Network like an explorer. If you have not attended networking events before, do it now. You will feel shy and awkward the first time, but with every event, you will get comfortable. You need to know people and let them know you as well.
3. Fun is the ingredient that life loves the most. The founder of Toastmasters, Dr. Ralph Smedley said that "We learn best in moments of enjoyment."
4. Learn everyday. Read Everyday. Write Everyday. This is a great exercise for your mind. It helps keep you brain active. Even if it is one page of a book that you read or five sentences that you write, it is ok. Consistency is the key!
5. Be Kind to yourself. Take care of your mental health by engaging in a activity that brings joy to you. It could be watching a show, or talking to friends and family or anything that makes you smile. Find that activity and do it as often as you can.
6. Ask for Help. There is not shame in letting people know that you need help. There are lots of resources around you, but you will need to ask for them. Your teachers are your cheerleaders. Let them know when you need help. A teacher's greatest joy lies in the success of their students.

You have started something great and at the end of this academic journey, there is a successful future waiting for you. Don't worry about the hurdles. When the wind blows in the opposite direction, the kite soars higher and higher!

All the best!

Regards

Professor Shekhar