Written by Yulissa
For most of my time at SFU, I’ve carried this quiet belief that I needed to handle everything on my own. For a long time, I believed that asking for help meant admitting I wasn’t capable. And as someone who identifies as reliable and independent, that was the one thing I didn’t want to be. While fighting to meet deadlines and prioritizing my academic life, I realized that I wasn’t paying much attention to how this constant pressure was affecting my mental health. I was taking a heavy course load while trying to balance multiple commitments, and I could feel myself fading. I had reached a point of exhaustion that was hard to handle. Between assignments, projects, and many worries about my future, I barely had time to check in with myself, let alone with others. That week, after another sleepless night, I finally booked an appointment with SFU’s career advisor. During our conversation, I noticed how simply talking about my situation helped me breathe again. It cleared my worries and allowed me to set more realistic goals for my academic and career path. I realized that guidance doesn’t just help you make decisions since it also helps to see that you’re not navigating everything alone. Around that same time, I also began to reconnect with my friends, something I hadn’t prioritized for months. I started meeting them for coffee, going on short walks between classes, or even just messaging them when I felt overwhelmed. Those small moments of connection reminded me of how powerful friendships can be, especially during stressful times. I believe that having friendships is one of the most important relationships we develop at university. SFU allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people in my life and I am eternally grateful for having them. There is something special in meeting people that understand and support you without judging any decision you take. It allows me to regain perspective and remember that university is not just about grades or achievements. It’s also about growing with others. My friends helped me recognize that it’s okay to slow down and go at my own pace. Now, I make it a priority to nurture my friendships and maintain balance in my routine. Friendships give us space to breathe, to be honest, and to remind ourselves that growth happens not in isolation, but in connection. Because sometimes, all it takes is one genuine conversation, one walk, or one friend to remind you that you were never meant to handle everything on your own.