Overcoming Impostor Phenomenon

As the end of the academic year approaches, many students may be experiencing Impostor Phenomenon when preparing for final exams and projects, thinking about applying to an academic program, or beginning a job search. Feeling like you don't belong in your classes, worrying about being discovered as a "fraud," and attributing your successes to luck can all be signs of Impostor Phenomenon, and may result in mental health concerns including anxiety and depression. To overcome these feelings, learn to appreciate your strengths, and own your place on campus, try a few of the University Counseling Center's tips!

• Confide in others. College is hard, and you are certainly not the only one feeling this way! Take a moment to reach out to a classmate to ask how they're handling the stress and create a plan to lean on one another for support.
• Focus on the facts. Trust the positive feedback you receive from professors, and remember that you are more than your grade! GVSU faculty and staff want you to succeed, and are here to help you along the way.
• Practice self-compassion. Think about how you might respond to a friend caught in a cycle of devaluing their accomplishments or questioning their abilities, and approach your own thoughts in the same encouraging way.

Managing Summer Transitions

Summer's almost here! This can bring many different feelings, including excitement and nervousness, for students. While some are heading to hometowns and childhood bedrooms, others are navigating finding housing in the West Michigan area and combatting first-internship anxieties, and still others are feeling the pressures and achievement associated with graduation. Transitions can be difficult, but there are ways to manage the range of emotions you may encounter in the coming weeks.

• Prepare for an adjustment period. Acknowledging that the first week or two of a new routine may cause increased levels of stress can help you feel more accepting of these feelings when they arise, and may give that needed push to schedule some extra self-care during that time!
• Cancel the comparison. Each person is on their own unique journey! Regardless of the paths others take, YOU are right on time.
• Prioritize your values. Take some time to think about what you want the next month, season, or year to look like. Set the intention to move toward this vision, and think about who may be able to support you along the way.
• Handle the stress in a healthy way. Stress can take the form of sadness, irritability, overwhelm, frustration, restlessness, and more. Recognizing these sensations, acknowledging your feelings, and spending time processing what may have caused them can all help you better understand your needs in a given moment.
• Lean on others for support. Planning to FaceTime your friends from GV on a lunch break, staying connected via email with a mentor on campus, or creating a group chat with your future roommates can all be great ways keep in touch with your support system.

Arab American Heritage Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month! This is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. Celebrate by taking time to appreciate the language, traditions, music, and food of Arab cultures, along with working to combat Anti-Arab bigotry, stereotypes, and prejudices that perpetuate injustice and hate. To learn more about Arab culture, check out Arab Culture Club on campus!

The University Counseling Center is available to talk about anything, including identity. Reach out to schedule an appointment if you'd like to meet with a counselor.

Earth Month & Earth Day

Earth Day has mobilized billions across 192 countries and evolved into the largest civic event across the globe as we mobilize to safeguard our plant and fight for a brighter future. In celebration of Earth Month, hundreds of millions of trees have been planted, 7 billion green school grants have been awarded, 2.7 billion acts of "green" have been done, and 36 million people have become "clean-up" volunteers.

Now, it's your turn! During Earth Month, think about how your bond with the planet contributes to your own mental heath and overall well-being. The University Counseling Center has a few ideas for how you can nurture your bond with nature:

• Go on a meditative walk in nature. We recommend checking out the Ravines near campus!
• Participate in acts of service that help the planet and health of our community.
• Leave no trace when spending time outdoors.
• Advocate for policies and practices that hold governments and corporations accountable for their impact on the planet.
• Learn more about the the environmental dimension of wellness.
• Check out some additional resources at www.earthday.org, GVSU's Office of Sustainability Practices, or the University Counseling Center's Relaxation Resources.

Dealing with Unsupportive Loved Ones

In many instances of life, you may have experienced the feeling of not being supported by those you care about. In college or graduate school, you're also already facing high academic, financial, mental, and even physical pressure. These all factored together can result in consequences such as feelings of guilt, or even depression and anxiety. Dealing with unsupportive people can be challenging, and the University Counseling Center is available to help if this stress becomes difficult to manage. Try out some of the tips below for handling these often stressful situations:

• Communicate with them about how you're feeling. Sometimes, those closest to us aren't able to see the true impact of their behaviors. This can be a scary first step, but making sure others are aware of how you're feeling can help all involved avoid misunderstandings.
• Evaluate your expectations. People are allowed to grow and change, and of course, they do! Reflect on the standard you're holding others to, and get curious about why this is the case. Were these boundaries established in the past, and maybe need a refresh? Are you longing for something else that may only be able to come from within, like self-assurance or validation?
• Create healthy boundaries in your academic, work, and personal life. Prioritizing your goals and well-being may be necessary for the time being, and that is okay. You can renegotiate your boundaries at any point, and engaging in self-care is not selfish!