Being a college Freshmen and living away from home has come with an unexpected level of transition. And with this huge transition comes a new level of stress and anxiety. Recognizing that this is probably the first of many big transitions to come in my life's journey, I know it is important to keep my physical and mental health a priority. I have found it necessary to establish a healthy routine and remain positive. Surround myself with positive people and positive experiences as much as possible. I currently find it necessary to spend the majority of my self care time focused on myself and my close friends. As I gain experience and have my own self care routine under control I aspire to become more and more of a help to others beyond my close friends. Some of the things that I have tried are as follows: Self-Care: Prioritize your own well-being by getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, and staying physically active. Regular exercise and proper sleep contribute to better mental health. Social Connections: Stay connected with friends and family. Loneliness can exacerbate mental health issues, so maintaining social connections is crucial. Join student organizations or clubs related to mental health to combat isolation. Know Your Resources: Familiarize yourself with the mental health resources available on campus. This includes counseling services, support groups, and crisis hotlines. Reach out when needed. Disability Services: If you require accommodations due to mental health conditions, register with disability services. They can provide support and ensure you have equal access to education. Focus on What You Can Control: College life can be stressful but focus on what you can control. Break tasks into smaller steps, manage your time effectively, and seek help when necessary. Be a Helper: Look out for others who may be struggling. Be empathetic and offer support. Sometimes, being there for someone can make a significant difference. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness techniques. These can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Peer Support Programs: Engage in peer-led mental health programs or workshops. These provide valuable insights and foster a sense of community. Raise Awareness: Participate in mental health awareness campaigns or events. Educate others about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote understanding. Seek On-Campus Supports: Attend workshops, seminars, or counseling sessions related to mental health. Utilize the resources available to you. Remember that taking care of your mental health is essential for overall well-being. You’re not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength. 😊🌟

My own life experiences of advocating for or in defense of other students or persons seem very similar to Lieba's. I do not think of myself as an extroverted person, I am truly an introvert who would rather mind my own business. But anytime I have been near when someone else was being unfairly teased or bullied, without thought in the situation I find my voice in their defense! I do not tolerate such behaviors in others. As an aspiring educator, my career goals are deeply rooted in supporting the holistic development of gifted children. Let’s delve into how I envision achieving this: Intellectual Nourishment: Differentiated Curriculum: I aim to design and implement tailored learning experiences that challenge and engage gifted students. This means providing advanced content, encouraging critical thinking, and allowing for in-depth exploration of topics aligned with their interests and abilities. Enrichment Programs: I aspire to create or advocate for enrichment programs that go beyond the standard curriculum. These might include research projects, mentorships, or participation in academic competitions. Access to Information: I believe in facilitating access to resources beyond the classroom. Whether through libraries, online platforms, or guest speakers, I want to broaden their intellectual horizons. Social-Emotional Well-Being: Understanding Intensity: Gifted children often experience emotions with great intensity. Acknowledging this, I plan to foster a safe environment where they can express their feelings without judgment. I’ll encourage them to channel their passion constructively. Building Resilience: Giftedness can come with unique challenges, such as feeling out of sync with peers or grappling with existential questions. I aim to teach coping strategies, resilience, and emotional regulation. Peer Connections: Recognizing the importance of like-minded peers, I’ll strive to create opportunities for gifted students to connect. Whether through clubs, interest groups, or collaborative projects, they can find their intellectual equals. Effective Communication: I’ll emphasize effective communication skills, helping them express their ideas clearly and empathetically. Gifted children often have rich inner lives; teaching them to share their thoughts effectively is crucial. Advocacy and Support: Parent Collaboration: I’ll actively involve parents in their child’s educational journey. Regular communication, workshops, and resources will empower parents to understand and nurture their gifted child’s social-emotional needs. Counseling Services: I’ll advocate for counseling services tailored to gifted students. These services can address anxiety, perfectionism, and the unique challenges they face. Holistic Approach: Recognizing that giftedness extends beyond academics, I’ll collaborate with other professionals (psychologists, social workers) to provide a holistic support system. In summary, my career goals revolve around creating a nurturing environment where gifted children thrive intellectually, emotionally, and socially. By addressing their unique needs, I hope to empower them to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.