You're Not That Lost

Often, a student sees our office and rather tentatively pokes her head in, or a toe, or a shoulder, and asks for directions. We don't mind: when you're new to a building, it always seems like a maze.

Today, a young woman stopped in, looking totally confused, and timidly said: "I know this sounds stupid, but I'm so lost. I need to find the Testing Center." She didn't realize how close she was: just a hallway and a turn to the right, and she'd be there. I said to her: You're not that lost. I showed her the way, and off she went. As I sometimes do, I watched her to make sure she headed the right way, and she did. And no, her question didn't sound stupid at all.


Some of you are off to new adventures: In the fall, you'll start college. Or, you'll be taking different classes with different instructors than last year.

Or, you're graduating and heading out into the world.


And you might be feeling a little lost. All the familiar things are now removed, with or without ceremony, and while it's invigorating and exciting, it's also intimidating to have to start all over again. You really want to take it on yourself, but you're torn between "I can do this on my own" and "Help! I'm so clueless!"

As you've grown, I hope you've learned two things: One, that you are usually very capable of figuring things out for yourself, and Two, it's sometimes necessary to ask for help.


Sure, a lot of navigating in your new world involves geography.: where on earth is Room 423-B???You may need to find the location of an interview, or you may be starting a new job. Finding your way around an unfamiliar place is quite a challenge at first, but you'll get the hang of it. .

When you look at the whole picture to see where it is you want to go, and how to get there-academically, career-wise, and in your life, there are lots of paths to take. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, as if it's too much for you. But try not to panic: Friends, parents, advisors, counselors, all can help. Whatever you can figure out for yourself, bravo. And when you find yourself a little lost, it's ok to ask directions. You're not weak or stupid to ask; in fact, it's a sign of wisdom and courage to realize you need some assistance.


Mr. Rogers once said, "Look for the helpers." Everyone needs to seek out a helper from time to time, and we're out here waiting for you to ask.


You might be just a little lost.


And you might find that you were closer to your goal than you thought you were.

Sick

You're away at college, and you get sick. Really, really sick. Is it just a cold, or a bug, or is it the flu? What do you do??


1.  Assess the level of sickness. 
Do you feel like it's more than a cold?
Are you so tired you can hardly drag yourself out of bed?
How long has it been going on? More than a few days?
Can you keep food down? Water?
Does your throat hurt?

Can you feel swollen glands in your neck?
Is your neck stiff?
Do you have a headache?
Is there a cough? How does your chest feel?
Do you have any ongoing condition that's making it worse?
Has your roommate or someone you hang out with a lot been sick, too?
Is it your stomach that's not right? In what way?
Do you know if you're running a fever? Have there been chills and then sweating?
What else is going on that concerns you, including stress?
How are you sleeping? Sleeping more, less, having trouble sleeping?

2. Have you tried some home remedies?
Are you taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and fever?
Do you have anything to soothe your throat if you need it?
Are you eating a lighter diet if your stomach is upset?
Chicken soup is of some value: Warm salty liquid can soothe your symptoms sometimes.
Are you keeping warm?
Are you keeping hydrated?
Are you resting? This is hard to do while trying to keep on top of your studies.


3. Find help.
Most residential (you live on campus) colleges have some kind of medical help available for their students: A clinic or other medical facility near where your dorm is. If you don't know where it is, ask. If you have a Resident Advisor in your dorm, ask that person, or ask a professor. Alternately, go to the campus website and search "wellness" or "Campus Clinic". Keep looking and asking until you find it. The clinic will have nurse practitioners, RNs, and physicians to help you out.


Through your campus or possibly through your medical insurance, there might be an "Ask A Nurse" helpline where you can call and ask questions to see if you need to be seen by a medical professional. This could be really helpful, too.


4. Don't wait very long to be seen.
Get right in to see a medical professional if you're sick. Waiting is likely to make it worse. You may have never done this for yourself before, but never fear: All you have to do is call or stop by and make an appointment. They may even take walk-ins. Plus, if you're really sick, you'll miss classes, and this can be a big problem. Even if the medical professional you see decides it's viral and there's not much to be done besides wait it out, at least you'll know.


5. Depression is also an illness that needs attention. Sometimes, depression can cause other physical symptoms. You don't need to feel embarrassed to ask for help for depression.

And also remember a campus clinic can help with other issues like birth control, reproductive health, and testing for STDs. Any clinic will keep your visit confidential, no matter why you were seen. They can't share your information with anyone including your parents or guardians, unless you give them permission.


If you're well now, take some time to check with your medical insurance to see how coverage works when you're away from home. You can ask your parent or guardian to check for you, or check it out yourself. For example, Will you need to pay a co-pay at the time you're seen, or can it be billed to you or your guardian later? How much is that? This will be good to know before you get sick, but either way, be seen by a medical professional when you need to. The bill can be dealt with later.


Here's hoping for a healthy winter, and for knowing that help is available to you!!