IYRT at Northwestern
Photography by Colleen Charchut
If you’re reading this, transitions can be overwhelming.
Moving into Evanston was probably one of the most exciting days of your life. At the same time, you probably felt very lost (and not just physically).
Should I prop my door open to meet my neighbors? Will I be accepted into an exclusive organization on campus? Where do I sit on the first day in a 200-person lecture hall?
These are the thoughts you most likely had in the last two weeks. They are also thoughts everyone on the IYRT team had during their time at Northwestern. You are not alone. We’ve all been there. But take it from us, you will find your groove. The answers to those questions will come quicker than you likely imagine.
To make you feel a little more comfortable in your new position as a ‘cat, we put together a few words of encouragement to keep you going:
You belong here!
Be open to everything! Join clubs that you’ve never heard of. Take classes that are outside of your comfort zone. Attend events that you’ve never been to before. Explore different facets of your identities and interests. You never know where you may find your community!
Don’t measure your life using someone else’s ruler! Don’t allow grades or social expectations to define your life.
You’re not behind; everyone has their own timeline. You don’t have to be perfect to make progress.
Dedicate time to self-care. While it is easy to get caught up in Northwestern’s culture of grinding and overworking, your physical and mental health take precedence. Your academic performance is often a reflection of that! Rest is productive too.
A few bad days or weeks don’t define you or your college experience. No one has everything figured out. It’s ok to not have all the answers yet.
Asking for help shows strength and maturity.
Don’t forget to celebrate small wins. Finishing a big midterm is a great achievement, but catching the intercampus shuttle on time or raising your hand in class matters too!
Appreciate the small things! Look at the beautiful greenery while walking to class. Say thank you to the dining hall staff. Be grateful for the time and effort your professors dedicate to making sure you understand the material. Find joy in the privileges you get to enjoy while being in college!
Make full use of Northwestern’s resources! CAPS, Northwestern Happiness Club, CSAW, and so many other organizations on campus are designed to help you. You should never have to go through the difficulties of university alone.
If you are interested in getting involved and submitting a letter, head to our website ifyourereadingthis.org/submit and fill out the submission form, indicating Northwestern as the campus. You can also follow us on Instagram at @ifyourereadingthisnu and reach us by email at ifyoureadingthisnu@gmail.com.
The IYRT Team, Northwestern University
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Northwestern on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Northwestern students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
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