My name is Richa Vijayvergiya and I’m graduating from Electrical Engineering this May. Quarantine has been a rollercoaster, but it gave me time to reflect and think about what I learned throughout my college experience. Hopefully these things gives you some perspective, so here’s advice that I wish I could have given myself back when I was starting college and things I learned along the way.
It’s ok to not be ok sometimes. You don’t always have to put up some kind of facade, and if you’re going through something hard (personally, academically, etc) it’s ok. Keep it all in perspective. Remember that people love you and ice cream can give your heart a hug. Whatever storm you’re going through, you’ll survive it. I believe in you and I love you.
Call out for help whenever you need it. At literally every point in my college career, if I called out for help, someone always answered. Sometimes you’ll have to call a friend, other times you might have to call your TA or professor. But I promise that someone will answer your call. If you fell and hurt yourself, you would call for help, and you should apply that logic to every situation. You don’t have to go through everything alone.
Stop comparing yourself to others. You have no idea what they’re going through and they don’t know what monsters you may be tackling at any given point. Instead of comparing, try to show empathy and be supportive without judgement. You’ll meet so many people that come from different backgrounds than you, so just be kind.
Find at least 1 thing that you are passionate about outside of academics like a hobby. It’s ok to lose track of it sometimes, or to be mediocre at the task like being an average painter. But it should make you happy. You could tinker with breadboards and or construct your own catapult, or pick up boxing because you want to feel like Rocky. Whatever it is, you should do it because you genuinely enjoy it.
Choose your people wisely. This goes for friends, professors--any kind of relationship. Some people might give off bad vibes, and others may not match the energy you’re giving off. Don’t ignore these signs. Your people should root for you no matter what, and keep you grounded throughout the process. They should want the best for you and be loving and caring, and catch you when you fall. Take your time to choose your people.
