#mnsu

College is a stressful thing even without all the stressors and triggers of everyday life. All the stress can wear on your mental health, and make college even more difficult to complete. During my time at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I had to overcome many mental health challenges all while trying to complete my studies, work a part-time job, and socialize with my family and friends. By reaching out for help, and being open about my mental health I was, and still am improving my mental health.

My Mental Health Journey

When I left for college, anxiety, and depression was definitely a part of my life, but not noticeable in a way that affected my everyday routine or schedule. It wasn’t until I left for Mankato that my mental health started to become out of hand and was affecting my social and educational life. 

Leaving for college, like many other students, was the first time I was away from all the support systems I had while I was living at home. But now I was away from all my family and friends, and out of my comfort zone. As a result, my depression and anxiety became much worse. 

I started to avoid going on campus at all costs, and I would only go on campus for class. I wouldn’t talk to any of my classmates, let alone make eye contact. I basically didn’t want to leave my apartment, and I would spend most of my time in my room avoiding my roommates as well. I basically started to completely isolate myself from the world, and everyone in it. 

My Support System

I would call my parents almost daily to talk to them because as I said before they were my biggest support system. When I was upset or stressed about something I would go to them for help. I started to become so homesick that I went home every weekend to be with my family. Eventually, my parents said they started to notice major changes in my personality and my mood, and they were concerned. My entire family has at some point dealt with anxiety and/or depression, so they knew the symptoms and signs to look for. They suggested that I talk to a physician on campus and see what they could offer to help me and my mental health journey. 

Reaching Out for Help

So, I called the University’s clinic and set up a mental health assessment. Throughout the meeting, I told my physician about how I was feeling, how my mental health was affecting my education and my social life along with just overall happiness, and my family’s history with depression and anxiety. After our meeting, I started to feel like I could see the light at the end of this long, dreary, and lonely tunnel. I was going to start taking antidepressants, and my campus physician provided a list of therapy clinics that were available to me both on and off-campus. 

Coping Skills

Over time my mental health started to slowly improve, and along the way, I learned different techniques to overcome depressive episodes or panic attacks. I’ve been going to therapy, taking antidepressants, and I’ve improved on communicating with my friends and family. I did go through a rough patch over Covid-19, but honestly who didn’t, am I right? But I eventually got back on track and have been growing and improving day by day.

As for where I am on my mental health journey now, I’d label it as a work in progress. I’ve definitely grown and bettered myself and my mental health, but there are still things I need to conquer and address. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Talk

Addressing mental health challenges isn’t a quick fix, it takes time and effort in order to get positive results. My experience with mental health has made me appreciate all those in my life who were there to support me and encourage me along my journey. And I want to be that same person for other people, so I’ve become a big advocate for talking about mental health. 

Growing up, the subject of mental health always felt like such a taboo thing to talk about—something you should keep hidden from others. But I think the more people talk about it, the less lonely everyone who struggles with mental health issues will feel. 

I was living in Philadelphia with my uncle and his family when I first arrived in the United States in 2017. It was my first year of learning English, and I was getting ready to take an English test for admission to Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Neither the English as a Foreign Language Test nor the Intensive English Language Test for International Students are easy. So, I registered at the Philadelphia Free Library and joined a group of nice volunteer girls who help international students integrate into American culture, improve their communication skills, and prepare for English tests.

Making New Friends

I will be eternally grateful to these wonderful ladies, who have become my best friends today and with whom I have shared those memorable times, making my English learning journey unforgettable. Before meeting them, making new friends was one of my challenges because I did not know where to begin a conversation and when to joke due to my language barrier. I was always alone and did everything by myself, such as shopping, studying, and going to the gym, and the most boring parts were during lunch or walking around the university’s streets.

My life became easier as soon as I met them. I started enjoying the U.S.A by visiting the surrounding cities of Philly such as New York City which was our first trip. We were excited to visit the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, which is the major commercial intersection in central Manhattan. Thinking back about that time makes me laugh. I am still wondering how we were communicating with such broken English. It was just amazing.

Getting the Right English Score for Admission at Minnesota State Mankato

Besides making new friends, my main goal was getting that English test score.

There are many strategies I used to reach that level with my English, and they work so well for me that I am still practicing some of them on my education journey.

First, I am always preparing myself to be organized. For example, I planned how many times I wanted to take the English test and the score that I was expecting from each test. After getting the result of each test, I planned to improve in the areas that I had the lowest grade for the next test.

After taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for the second time, I realized that I needed to wait at least two months before taking it again. It needs to be carefully prepared to avoid wasting money and time, as there is no other secret to earn a good grade other than being consistent in studying and being organized:

· I was also doing my best to focus and avoid multitasking, which requires great time management.

· I was always asking questions by setting office hours with teachers, asking questions, participating in lectures, and following at least one English test tutor on YouTube.

· I found good spots to study. I had three to five places where I enjoyed studying: at the Free Library of Philadelphia, Starbucks, Panera Bread, at the park, and my friends' places. I did not like studying somewhere too private or quiet, but I did want to make sure that I was studying at a place that is conducive to my method of learning that allowed me to concentrate free of distractions.