Dr. Karen Egan
Photo provided by Dr. Karen Egan.
If you’re reading this, know that vulnerability is a sign of strength, not a weakness.
Many people feel compelled to act as if they have it all together all the time: after all, that’s the edited version that typically shows up on every social media feed. We are often told that vulnerability will make us weak. I have found the complete opposite to be true: being vulnerable and sharing your story with trusted others allows you to thrive and succeed in academics, athletics, careers, and relationships. Having a growth mindset where you ask, “what can I learn from this mistake/failure?” allows you to take in valuable feedback, make changes, and achieve higher levels of performance than criticizing ourselves, pretending it didn’t happen, or missing valuable consultations with others by hiding when we fall short (Dweck, 2006).
Having the courage to open up to others around you when you are not at your best allows you to get support, guidance, and reminders of the incredible person that you are whether or not you achieved the goals you had set that day. The folks in your corner can remind you that you are already enough exactly as you are and that having the courage to dream big means you will also typically experience tough days along the way.
Take the time to find your community at UVA — both among your peers and with trusted faculty and staff. Often when people experience mental health concerns, this is a time when people feel compelled to isolate and/or to act like they are “fine” when this is the time people most need spaces to be their authentic selves. We want to learn your stories. We want to hear about the toughest moments and the brightest ones and to be there to guide you along the way.
Dr. Karen Egan
Sports Psychologist, University of Virginia Athletics
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