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

Freshman at San Jose State University majoring in Psychology, and graduate of Gunn High School in 2024

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

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?  Pressure from other students.

What contributes to your stress or anxiety in college?  Increased amount of work.  

What were your favorite high school activity(ies)? Water polo. 

What are your favorite college activity(ies)? Greek life.

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

In high school, it was more social, and in college, it’s more academic.  

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

I keep my high school friends close, and I’ve made new friends in college through rooming, greek life, classes, etc. 

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

Finding a place to study has made a big difference, i.e. library.

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

Take a break, e.g. walk, phone break, grab a coffee.

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

That you will be forced into unhealthy habits like eating badly. 

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

Focus on self esteem.

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

Please just do your best and face the struggles. Remember that facing adversity and pushing through it are what builds strength and character. Also, take care of your body. You only have one.