As Dean of Students, I have the pleasure of getting to know many, many of you. Although we sometimes discuss your successes, we often delve into conversations about your own very real struggles with learning, and life. I always reflect on this as mid-terms approach and the “shine” of the start of term has worn off. In my first term of my undergrad education, I really struggled with Physics. Some failures during that term were devastating to me, and I felt my academic career was over – I didn’t know how to fail. If you feel this way, I can tell you from experience that there are ways to grow and learn from failures, and these failures don’t define you. If you need help, reach out, whether to counselling (they have some great workshops and resources available), peer support, or Nightline. We care about you. Please reach out if you need help. Study hard, but stay well.
