#3 Peer Interview for the “Mental Health Mentoring Series”

Freshman at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, majoring in Movement Science (Kinesiology) and graduate of Gunn High School 2024

In high school, what was your overall stress or anxiety level on a scale of 1-3:  3 - High

In college, what is your overall stress or anxiety level from 1-3: 2 - Moderate

What contributed to your stress or anxiety in high school?  I think I was so focused on making everything I did (tests, assignments, essays) so perfect. I was really scared of failure so I think that contributed to the anxiety. I put a lot of stress on little things that in the big picture did not matter that much. 

What contributes to your stress or anxiety in college?  I think the classes that I am taking are a lot less demanding than some of the ones in high school. Also, the classes are so big that I don’t really get that perfectionist stress about things. It is also a lot more “do it yourself,” which I think has made me realize what I should or shouldn’t put my focus on.  

What were your favorite high school activity(ies)?  Water polo and choreography in airbands for homecoming week! Also, just homecoming week in general along with prom!

What are your favorite college activity(ies)?  Being in a sorority! Going to sporting events. Honestly just studying with my friends at a coffee shop or library. 

How have pressures you faced in high school differ from your experience in college? 

I think in high school people cared a lot more than people do in college. In college, most people just stick to their paths and not compare themselves to other people. But at Gunn, comparison was inevitable just because it was so small. 

How have your social relationships changed from high school to college or beyond? 

I think now in college, I have a lot more friends, but back in high school, I had more close friends. Now that I am part of a sorority that is basically like 90 girls that automatically become your friends so that has been a very different experience. Also, in every class I have, I have a different set of friends, which is kinda cool. 

How have your studying habits or approaches changed from high school to college?  

I actually study now in college. I was not a big study person in high school. But now, anytime I have some free time, I catch myself working on something. I think now that I am by myself, studying is, in a way, a little fun. 

When you are stressed or anxious, what techniques, rituals, or ways do you manage?  

I really try and go workout. That has been my biggest way to destress, and I will stand by it. Unfortunately, it’s winter here in Michigan, but I would also go on walks outside to just clear my mind!

What do you think high school students misunderstand or get wrong about college life? 

That all we do is party in college. I mean there is a very large social life / night life here, but I find it crazy how many people don’t even partake in any of those activities. It’s actually quite refreshing to know that people are still motivated to work hard and set themselves up for the future. 

Knowing what you know now, if you were back in high school, what might you do differently? 

I honestly think that I made the most out of my high school experience. It was a stressful time, but I think I put stress on things that did not matter. I would have just spent more time with my close friends because I’ll never be in school with them again, which is something I just kind of realized. 

What would be your best overall advice to high school students? 

It will all be worth it!! I am so happy where I am, and I wouldn’t change anything about my path to getting here. There are so many different roads that lead people in different directions, and not one is better than another!