Life at Pepperdine can be very good, but it can also be difficult. The two are not mutually exclusive. In order to avoid falling into a rut of academic or emotional struggle, students should be proactive in taking advantage of the support systems that Pepperdine offers. By seeking help, students are making an investment toward a fuller life.
In a society that idolizes independence, a fear of seeming weak can prevent students from seeking counseling, tutoring or other forms of help. Stigma is both pervasive and paralyzing, according to Dana Gionta’s article “The Stigma of Therapy,” published June 23, 2008 by Psychology Today.
However, there has been a nationwide increase in students utilizing resources on their campuses, according to Katie Reilly’s article “Record Numbers of College Students Are Seeking Treatment for Depression and Anxiety — But Schools Can’t Keep Up,” published March 19 by TIME. Students and professors alike are increasingly aware that support is necessary and that struggle doesn’t have to be isolating.
At Pepperdine specifically, the Counseling Center is an incredible resource that students should utilize. With high-quality and free services, students should not hesitate to at least pay the office a visit. In recent years, the need for mental health services on college campuses is receiving more and more of a spotlight.
In fact, “66% of student affairs administrators identified mental health as their top concern,” according to Caroline Simon’s article “More and More Students Need Mental Health Services,” published May 4, 2017 by USA Today.
Overall, the need for counseling is becoming more widely accepted. Students should ride this culture shift and seek help without judgment. Emotional burdens are not biodegradable; like plastic, they won’t go away on their own. By being proactive in seeking help, students set themselves up to have fuller lives.
Another resource that Pepperdine provides for students is ample academic support through the Student Success Center. Tutoring, academic advising and professors themselves all come together to enhance students’ academic performances.
Students often feel isolated by academic struggles in particular. However, they are not as alone as they think. The majority of college students need to make the most of the academic support offered to them, according to Kelci Lynn Lucier’s article “What College Students Who Need Help Academically Should Do,” published Oct. 26, 2011 by US News and World Report.
By attending tutoring sessions, students also gain accountability. The commitment to show up to a tutoring session keeps students on track. By intentionally dedicating time to improving in a tough class, students place themselves on a trajectory for success. The difference that intentionality makes is innumerable.
Feeling supported is important. No one wants to slip through the cracks, and with the resources available at Pepperdine, no one should. No reason is too small to make the most of the support here. The accessibility of help on campus is something that sets Pepperdine apart. Students should use the scaffolding that Pepperdine provides in order to grow to the best of their ability.
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