As graduating seniors prepare to cross the stage this spring, the mood on campus is one of pride and reflection. While academic achievements are traditionally at the forefront of commencement, many students say their proudest accomplishments lie beneath the surface in the personal and mental challenges they’ve overcome.
College, for many, is a period of transformation that extends far beyond the classroom. It is a time marked by intense academic pressure, but also by identity exploration, emotional growth, and mental health challenges. We asked several graduating seniors to reflect on those experiences and share their advice.
Know when to take a break
“I was struggling with severe anxiety and OCD during my freshman year which made it hard to build friendships and do well in classes,” said one student. “I made it through with the help of UHS resources and then once my first semester was over I made a very difficult decision to take the spring semester off.”
The student, who asked to remain anonymous, shared that their decision to take time off was heartbreaking, but ultimately crucial. “It was a lot of work and continues to be work to keep up my mental wellness but any sacrifice was worth it to get to experience my time at UW to the fullest.”
When asked what advice they would give first-year students, they said, “Whatever is going on, it’s okay. If your freshman year isn’t meeting expectations, or is hard and things aren’t going like you wanted, that is okay. We have four years at UW. Take your time and do what will benefit you in the long run.”
Redefine success on your terms
Another student, who also took a gap year to focus on mental health, emphasized the importance of redefining success on personal terms.“Minimize the amount of expectations that you consider, whether they are placed on you by others or yourself,” the student said. “Practice being open to all the experiences that are presented to you. Create your own college experience that aligns with your values, not the college experience that you think others think you should have or would enjoy.”
While college often begins with the pressure to follow a traditional path, many students discover that true growth comes from taking unexpected turns. Choosing to prioritize mental health, even when it means stepping off the expected track, takes courage. As graduation approaches, these stories serve as a powerful reminder that success isn’t defined solely by academic achievements — but also by the strength it takes to get there.
Celebrate your success
Thanks to a generous gift from the Senior Class Office, UHS Mental Health Services is hosting a senior class event series to help students gain practical post-grad skills and celebrate their success. Learn more about the event series and RSVP.
- Real Talk: Navigating Life Post-Graduation | Tuesday, April 29 from 4 – 6 PM at Memorial Union, see TITU
- Toast to the Tassels: Celebrating Current and Future Friendships | Wednesday, April 30 from 4 – 6 PM at Wolf Teaching Kitchen, Bakke
- Caps & Conversations | Thursday, May 1 from 4 – 6 PM at Wheelhouse Studios.