anxiety – Life @ U of T

A sketch of a person holding a guitar case in one hand and a red bag in the other, wearing an orange hat. It is a sketch of the scene from The Sound of Music movie, where Julie Andrews sings "I Have Confidence".

How Rock-Climbing Changed My Confidence

A few weeks ago, I did something that, in retrospect, was a big step outside my comfort zone. Every Monday at 7 PM, the Rock Oasis climbing centre holds an “in search of climbing partners” night for solo climbers. As…

A successful baby meme that says "Gave presentation in class- didn't throw up or pass out. Nailed it!"

Worry #523: Class Presentations

First of all: can you believe we’re halfway through the semester already? It feels like only yesterday I was writing about Halloween. Anyway. This semester, I’ve been in a class that has really been pushing my boundaries; which typically I…

A drawing of a stick figure wearing a grey hat, red mittens and red boots. They are holding a large sign that says "Let's Talk". One of their shoelaces is untied, and they are tracking muddy footprints in.

Bell Let’s Talk: Building a Support Network on Campus

I have a super power. When I’m a part of a group chat with more than four people, if I say something, the conversation immediately stops. Sometimes for two months (not an exaggeration). I wish I were kidding. Perhaps it’s…

Image I took on-campus somewhere. Caption: This was actually taken during my very first day of classes

Fourth Year Restlessness

My first year at U of T has started to feel like it happened a long time ago, even though it hasn’t been that long at all. Between then and now, there have been many syllabi, essay drafts, and lectures.…

A picture that says "Friend: when's the last time you've been to the gym? Me: (image of elderly Rose from the Titanic movie saying "it's been 84 years...")"

Gym Jam: A Nervous Person’s Perspective of St. George’s Gyms

I make no secret about not really enjoying public spaces- there are so many people, it can be pretty loud, and I find it pretty overwhelming. I seriously value my alone time. However, I also love running. It’s a great…

A stick-figure drawing of a girl with tangled brown hair looking dizzy and confused, thinking about a group of people. One of the friends is saying "Why is she here?", another is saying "She should brush her hair...". At the bottom of the drawing it says "Yikes...".

Weekly Worries: Will I Still Fit In With My High School Friends?

Now that exam season is coming to an end, winter holidays are fast approaching. Some people choose to spend the time relaxing around the city, while others visit family and friends. I am one of the latter- every year, I’ve…

Author's bassoon in front of a music stand with music, in an orchestra rehearsal.

Self-Care and Understanding My Role in Decision-Making

This past week I had a bit of a funky experience. For starters, my email updated and my brain has yet to adjust to the new layout. I think we all know the disoriented feeling I’m referring to right now.…

Author standing on a yoga mat in the dance studio

School’s Back in Session, and So is My Anxiety-Here’s How I Deal

Since the start of the new semester, my anxiety has come back with a vengeance. I have always been an anxious person, and have struggled with anxious thoughts and constant worrying at different points in my life. However, my anxiety…

Anxiety v. Public Speaking

If there’s ever a time to adapt to discomfort, it would be now, protected by the boundaries of university life. For much of my life, anxiety inhibited me from pursuing opportunities. After a break-through revelation, I came to terms on…