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

Freshman at UC San Diego majoring in Political Science/History, and graduate of Palo Alto High School in 2024

In high school, what was your overall stress or anxiety level on a scale from 1-3:  2 - Moderate

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

After high school, did your mental health: improve, worsen, or other? Improve

What contributed to your stress or anxiety in high school?  Moving to a lot of different schools and having to make new friends each year.

What contributes to your stress or anxiety in college?  It’s sometimes hard to wake up for early classes plus there’s some work I’m not eager to do. 

What were your favorite high school activity(ies)?  Basketball, sports, gardening, spending time with friends, snowboarding.

What are your favorite college activity(ies)?  Basketball, hanging out with friends, meeting people, pickleball.

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

I found high school to be more difficult because I went to four different schools. As such, it was annoying to keep breaking into new friend groups. I’ve found college to be very different. People here seem to be much friendlier and open to most things. I think it could be that we’ve all matured from high school, or that everyone is in the same boat starting at a new place. 

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

It’s far easier to make friends in college than in high school. Cliques don’t really seem to be a thing in college unless you're in a fraternity or sorority.

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

I haven’t studied since the Cold War… jk, see advice below.

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

I picked up guitar and have tried making some songs haha. Playing basketball and being with friends helps a lot too.

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

Social connections. The first two weeks are pretty important with making friends since that is when it’s the easiest. It’s the best time to go out and meet people. Try to be as social as possible during that time. College is just a very different overall vibe than high school. Also, be careful because almost everyone drinks and does other stuff.

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

Care less. I cared too much about what I did, or what people thought of me. It doesn’t really matter as long as you can be happy with yourself and where you are. It’s easier said than done, but for me, it took time to figure out.

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

• Put yourself out there and introduce yourself to people. 

• Try not to do anything more than maybe drinking. 

• Join clubs and recreational sports teams. 

• Create a schedule. 

• Consider rushing a fraternity or sorority if you're up for it. 

• Find a hobby that you really enjoy. 

• Go to office hours. 

• Keep a good relationship with your TA.