Often times we dont talk about how anxiety-inducing, frustrating, debilitating, etc. matriculation can be. But as a community (of not just scholars and budding scholars but human beings walking alongside each other as we experience life) we should recognize that the pressure to succeed is often accompanied by deep feelings of doubt and insecurity. So...if you recognize yourself, a friend, or any aspect of yourself and a friend in this series, then take a minute to acknowledge that what youre experiencing is not unique to you. While you may feel alone and isolated in your feelings, I guarantee you that theres more than just you who feels that way. Sadly enough academic culture is fueled by competition, egos, erudite notions of excellence, social ineptitude, and much, much more. I just want to encourage you all to take a moment to check-in with yourselves, your friends, your colleagues, whomever else you care about and whomever else knows you well and reflect on where you are, how you feel, and what steps--small steps--you might begin to take to re-establish your sense of peace, balance, and confidence. Some professors may not be open enough to communicate that they too have dealt or are currently dealing with these feelings, but whats expressed below is very much a part of the process. And while there are facilities on campus dedicated to assisting students with these issues, I think that as a group more open discussions with our peers, professors, and advisers about some of the other/taboo topics (like anxiety, depression, power relations in academe, insecurity, etc) should be made a part of any program to professionalize students. Im not advocating that departments become counseling centers; Im advocating that we develop a culture of understanding for the betterment and success of our students and our program.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 00:23:21 +0000
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