It’s that time of year again! So begins another fall quarter, and with it, an array of new experiences. While excitement is in the air, it’s accompanied by all sorts of fears. There are so many new people joining Highline at this time of year and that means change. Change is great, but it can be scary. If you have doubts, what should you do?

Well for starters, there’s nothing wrong with having doubts about your choices or future. Everyone feels this way at one point or another. Your future is in your hands, and naturally that scares you, but if you let that fear fester, you’ll make mistakes. A small dose of fear is healthy, it’s how people avoid danger. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to reduce stress.

For one, tackling what’s causing that stress in the first place. Do you feel like you’re struggling to track assignments and class times? Make a schedule! Set up reminders on your phone, add events to your calendar, create a checklist in your notes, and/or set up a routine in your journal. Organizing your schedule has never been easier!

Scheduling apps are everywhere – with many of them being built into most electronic devices. If you don’t care for apps, journals and notepads are everywhere, and buying one is easy at the Highline bookstore! Studies show that the physical act of writing what one needs down cements it into the brain more reliably than typing it.

Now that you’re organized, what about completing classwork?

It’s common for students to tackle assignments at the last minute, but that’s not a good idea. Staying up till midnight to turn in assignments is both stressful and tiring, without mentioning the issues lack of sleep can have, especially if it’s a large assignment. Not to mention the technical issues that just pop up at the absolute worst moment. There’s a better way.

To begin with, there’s no reason to go with this all-or-nothing mindset. Believe it or not, you do not have to finish an assignment in one sitting. If it’s a particularly long or difficult assignment, try doing it in sections. Take breaks and work on it over time, that way you can work on other coursework while still making headway. Now this is easier in online classes, but it still applies to in-person classes.

If you’re unsure on where to start when it comes to breaks, here are some popular methods that can be found with a simple google search. If you’re an online student, then chances are you’ll be doing a lot of sitting, so try yoga to keep yourself from becoming stiff and anxious. If you’re on campus, simply take deep breaths and try imagining a place that puts you at ease.

Now what if the problem isn’t a lack of organization or procrastination? What if the problem is a lack of faith in oneself? That’s a hard topic to tackle and there’s no easy solution, but there are ways to make it easier. Try thinking about why you’re so worried about failure.

Is it because you have high expectations for yourself? Does your family expect a lot from you? Is there a lot riding on your success? Is it a perfectionist mindset, or is it simply that you spent a lot of money to be here? Before you answer, these are all valid reasons to be cautious. College is a big step, and it is a vital part of your academic and entrepreneurial future.

Now ask yourself, what does constant worrying give you? No, genuinely, think about what you gain from worrying. For some, worrying may be that push to get you started, but for many of you, it can cause you to freeze once the task is at your fingertips. 

But, again I ask, what is the gain of all that stress? Erratic breathing and rapid heart rate? Insomnia and scattered thoughts? If the answer is nothing good, then relax, stand strong, focus, and get that degree one quarter at a time. 

If you are having serious mental health issues, then don’t hesitate to talk to counselors and medical professionals immediately. Highline offers free, certified counseling to all students needing to talk to someone. Check out the counseling center in Building 6.

Nothing is worth suffering in silence. Take a breath and remember, you are here, you are ready. Go out there and get that diploma.