Surviving as a student

Mariselle Stofberg
Fanuel Shinedima

I think being a student has been one of the most difficult tasks I have taken on in my life, and many other fellow students can attest to this. Just few days ago, we were saddened by the story of a fellow student who committed suicide after failing exams - that’s how serious it has become.

In my opinion, many students go through a lot, most are battling situations at home, financial difficulties and the academic pressure that comes with studies, and adding the situation of Covid-19, things have never been better.

The year is almost over, with August ending soon. What does this mean for most students? It means stress is kicking in, anxiety, panicking and above all, depression and feelings of uncertainty about our academic journeys.

I think one thing we can all agree on is that 2021 is a year of resilience; we are all navigating and adapting to new circumstances as life presents the unpredictable, day by day. What can students learn from this?

Now more than ever is a time to adapt and soldier on. I spoke to a mentor who had this to say: “My advice to students this semester is to remain strong and focused in order to end this remaining semester with strength and hope. Please take care of yourselves, take care of your mental and physical health.

“I advise that you regularly go out for walks and visit friends often, talk to people you trust. Find the best study methods that suit you and study with friends if you can. Focus on attending classes through whatever means available and seek for help, ask questions where you don’t understand and try and revise with past questions as well.

“I advise that you watch available topic videos online as well. Focus on preparation for exams and remember you are human too, do rest when you feel tired. Finally, reach out if you don’t feel okay, talk to your parents, guardians or even a counsellor nearby. We are living in unprecedented times and there’s nothing wrong with not being fine; reach out as soon as possible.”

He also advises parents, guardians and families to assist students, to give them emotional support and support them in ways they can. “I advise parents to support their children, and take it easy on them. I know it’s hard if they don’t make it but I don’t see a reason to blame them if they did all they could, the best we can do is support them and help them go through this rather than driving them into the suicidal lane, which no parent would want. My final advice is to students: work as hard as you can, seek support and do your best. You have not come this far to give up and if you happen not to make it, that should not stop you from fighting for your dreams. I know it’s not easy but trust in yourself, you got this.”