Graduate Stress

by Leigh
(WA)

Graduate Stress - That's What Friends Are For.

There were 2 weeks of my college course to go.

Positions in the graduate show at the end of semester were limited, and every student was aiming for them. The choice was going to be based on the 2 group assignments, an essay, and 5 projects we had left to complete in 14 days - was that even humanly possible?

I had worried myself into illness over them, thinking that I could never finish them in time, or to as high a standard as everyone else in my course. The competitiveness was driving me crazy.

It bothered me so much that others were capable and I was seemingly incapable of getting the work done.

Finally my friends took me aside and told me that the combination of stress and inaction I was practicing was going to lead me into an early grave. They helped me realize that I was talented, and more than capable - how would I have come this far in my life if I weren't?

I just needed to dive in and at least make a start, as nobody ever succeeded without trying first!

Sure enough once I had started on the mountain of work I had, it didn't seem so bad, and the quality of my work had never been better knowing I was trying my best.

Having a strong and supportive friend network can save you from a downward spiral into stress.