• Head of the Marine Affairs program
• B.A. in Biology
• J.D. from Vermont Law School

“…recognize that you may need support for your mental health, just as you wouldn’t hesitate to get attention to take care of your physical health.  There are many ways to get support, find a source that works for you (friend, counselor, advisor, faculty/staff member, coach, work supervisor, parent, etc.).  Don’t disappear from your classes or be embarrassed that your mental health is adversely affecting your schoolwork!  Your teachers want you to do well but we also want you to BE well, we can’t assist if we don’t know what’s going on and you don’t need to share information you’re not comfortable sharing with a teacher, just letting us know you’re having a difficult time can be enough so we can work with you”

I try to give myself one day a week “off” when I not only don’t do work, I really try to be away from screens all together.  I don’t always follow this advice, but I know I’m more efficient, fresher and feel less overwhelmed after I step away and come back to work, whether it’s for a day or an hour or two.  I also try to take a quick break to stand up and walk away from the computer for a few minutes every 20-30 minutes, having a timer on my computer or phone to prompt me to do this is helpful. 

Figure out as soon as you can how to manage your time and your schedule, whether it’s using a hard copy planner, an electronic calendar or notebook (I’ve heard good things about Rocketbook), a planner app (there are lots out there), whatever works for you, and try scheduling study times/exercise times/free time for yourself.  College is a big transition to being responsible and accountable for managing your time without the structure as you’re used to living at home and in high school, so the sooner you determine how to manage your time and workload and stay mentally and physically healthy, the better!”