Iqraa Iqbal Priyata

Coming to RIT from Bangladesh was a dream come true for me. I had worked hard to get here and couldn’t wait to begin my college journey.

Things were easy at first but as time went on I began feeling the pressure and the weight of expectations on me. In my sophomore year my classes got harder and it became more difficult to handle academics and my on-campus jobs. I was becoming increasingly anxious but also lethargic. It seemed like I had lost my motivation. I reacted by closing myself off from my friends and family, but that just made things worse. I desperately wanted things to get better but didn’t know what to do. Finally, I decided to seek help from the Counseling Center.

Opening up to a counselor was a painful process but it lead to a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a plan to help me get better. I made some necessary changes in my life including changing my diet, exercising, opening up to friends, and putting myself first. It has been a long road and it will never be easy but I know that I am getting better.

When I was growing up there was a stigma related to asking for help with personal problems. I thought it was shameful but I am glad I found the courage to do it at RIT. I’ve learned so much and it feels good every day to strive to be a better version of myself.