It has come to the point in the semester where things are starting to pile up, due dates coincide with other class assignments, and the pressure to keep up becomes more serious than ever.
While I glance around the room throughout my classes, it appears as if everyone else knows what is going on and have already gotten a jump start on their assignments. And then there is me. I haven’t started anything. In fact, I’m relieved that I even made it to class today. My anxiety begins to trump any emotion or good intention I have. It dictates my life. Getting out of my house and making it to school, especially on class to time, begins to be the greatest accomplishment for the week.
On the outside, no one would have a clue. I am approachable, and can laugh and joke with anyone. Then after I turn away my tummy is in knots and I analyze every word said. The other person probably hasn’t thought twice about our conversation.
Writing this has reminded me about the importance of taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. None of this is as stressful as it needs to be. I am definitely not the only person who feels this way. Life, school in particular, is scary, for everyone. Teachers (hopefully) can relate and will understand. And internal complications like this reaches far beyond just myself. Breath. Relax. Take a step back.
Unruly Bodies 
I can totally relate to you because it’s always difficult to see others seemingly excel at things while you’re slowly slipping. Sometimes it’s hard to not get envious because they seem to be so put together. In addition, I also have that same experience where I can project a facade of everything being okay. People see the happy and organized person, but in reality it’s just an illusion. I have no idea what to do with these assignments or how to start them. The best thing to do is as you said, remember that everyone gets stress and to not compare ourselves with others.
This is exactly what I needed to read! Sometimes people forget that it is really important to just step back and embrace all of your accomplishments. Everyone completes things at their own pace and its important to know that life is not a race. Do things at your own pace and be happy that you have come this far. Society has made it seem that by a certain age and time you should have reached a particular point in your life with school and work. I completely disagree. I spent 3 years at community college just trying to figure out what i wanted to study and now that i am at UMBC all the kids my age are ready to graduate by the end of the year while I know i have another year or two. It freaks me out and makes me feel that i am wayyy behind on everything but then i realize that i am proud for spending time figuring out what it is that i want from life and each step of the way makes me appreciate how far i have come.