Anonymous

Photography by Emma Joseph

If you’re reading this, it’s important to make time for yourself.

Balancing school and social life is tough, especially when it feels like you're living in the library and barely seeing your friends. At Wake Forest, the pressure to go above and beyond is real, after all, they do call it “Work Forest.” I remember hitting a point where I felt so swamped.

Schoolwork was eating up all my time, and it seemed like forever since I'd just hung out with friends and chilled. I missed the random late-night talks with roommates, the random coffee runs, and just being around people who made me forget about the stress of exams and assignments for a while. I talked to a friend about how stressed I was, and they took the time to sit down with me and figure out what was going on. They didn't just nod and say they understood; they helped me take a hard look at everything I was trying to balance. We talked about my schedule and my commitments, and they helped me see that I was overloading myself to the point of burnout. It was tough to admit, but deep down, I knew they were right. Cutting back on some of my extracurriculars meant I could relax again and enjoy what I was doing.

Wake Forest does have a strong support system for mental health and well-being. Counseling sessions, stress management workshops, and even meditation groups are designed to help students cope with the pressure. I've heard from friends who've gone to these sessions that they're accommodating. They teach you strategies to manage stress and anxiety. It's comforting to know that if things get too intense, there's a safety net there to catch you.

Reflecting on this, I've learned that it's not just about managing your time; it's about managing your energy and knowing your limits. It's okay to say no, to take a step back when you need to, and to prioritize your well-being over perfection. Finding that balance is key, and I'm slowly getting better at it. It's about making time for the things that matter, whether it’s studying for a test or just laughing at a movie with friends. It's not always easy, but talking about it and knowing there's support makes it feel a lot more manageable.

Sincerely,

Anonymous, Wake Forest

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