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Nyasha_Dube
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Dear Freshman, Here’s What I Wish I Knew


25 February 2026  ·  2 min read
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Dear Freshman, Here’s What I Wish I Knew
I thought university was just lectures, parties, and studying last minute. But I quickly learned no one tells you how to balance mental health, deadlines, family pressure, and dreams..." At first, I was excited the freedom, the independence, the idea of becoming my “own person.” But within a few weeks, the reality started to sink in. I wasn’t prepared for the late nights, the unexpected loneliness, or the constant feeling that I was falling behind not just academically, but in life. Some days, I’d wake up feeling overwhelmed before the day even began. There were assignments piling up, unread group chats, missed meals, unanswered messages from home, and that creeping fear: Am I really cut out for this? No one prepares you for that internal battle between doing what you love and doing what’s expected. There’s pressure to get good grades, maintain friendships, be active on social media, maybe even start something “productive” all while figuring out who you are and where you’re going. I learned the hard way that mental health is not a luxury. It's the foundation. I had to unlearn the idea that rest equals laziness. I had to teach myself that saying "no" to people was sometimes the most loving thing I could do for myself. What changed everything for me was realizing that I wasn't alone. Others were going through it too hiding behind laughs, memes, and strong selfies. When I started opening up and being honest with a few close friends, the weight started to lift. I also found healing in journaling, evening walks, setting small goals, and reminding myself that it’s okay to be a work in progress. That my worth is not measured by grades or achievements, but by the way I rise again every day, even when it’s hard. If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, please know: you're not failing — you're growing. And growth is messy. We all have different journeys, but trust me, you don’t have to walk yours alone. Written by a fellow student who’s still figuring it out, just like you.
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Nyasha_Dube
Nyasha_Dube
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