From the North

In the last decade or so we’ve started hearing more and more about mental health. An awareness that wasn’t once there, is now alive and growing. I think back to my gap year before entering college and speaking with Representative Tom Dent in Washington state — a conversation that would have a lasting impact on me. Representative Dent impressed upon myself, and those with me, the power of availability and a listening ear. We talked about the alarmingly high rates of suicide and mental health issues in the agricultural industry. In that conversation, a wall had been broken down — an industry known for its “rub some dirt on it” attitude became seemingly fragile. Not a fragileness that came from weakness, a fragileness that came from real vulnerability.

As I sat in that office I thought back to my story — one where others around me had to step in and help me through this thing called life. I think sometimes we forget that; we forget that we can’t do life alone. Whether we’re talking about mental illness or not, it’s crucial that we learn to accept help along the way.

No matter who you are, or where you are in life, I think we can all admit that life is hard. For us college students, we’re navigating a new normal. I like to joke that we’re all just a bunch of fake adults that are trying to learn what it means to be a real adult. But, truly, what does it mean to be a real adult? How do we navigate a sudden onset of bills, the stress of navigating demands and the social pressure to do everything thrown your way. I’ve often felt the pressure of being active on campus, excelling in classes and building the brightest future for myself. The truth is, I can’t do it all and that’s okay.

I want to encourage you that, no matter where you’re at in this journey, there’s a place for you in this discussion right here on campus. The Counseling and Mental Health Center is a great resource for students. The center offers a range of mental health services and helps train mental health professionals. They are on the third floor of Forney Hall and open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can schedule an appointment by calling 208-885-6716. If you’re looking for a place to relax and meditate, there is a weekly Mindfulness Drop-In on Wednesdays from Noon-12:20 p.m. on Zoom. If you’re interested in becoming a Wellbeing Ambassador, you can get connected with that on Wednesday, Jan. 24 in the Student Recreation Center room 102 from 5-6:30 p.m.

College can be hard and we’re all in different places in this journey. Know that no matter where you are, it’s okay to be there. But, with the help of one another we can grow and become stronger. Embrace those around you, invest in those around you and lean on those around you when you need it most. Most of all, know that the University of Idaho is a place you can lean on for support when you need it. It’s okay to not be okay, Vandals!

With college comes a lot of incredible things, new friends, personal growth, academic achievements, you name it. But, for years, college has stood for a sense of financial struggle — ever heard of the “broke college student?” For a lot of college students, that isn’t just a saying, it’s a livelihood. As I’m reflecting back on my four years in college, I can see the points that have felt a little like that. What also stands out though, is the investment other people have had in my college career. I have been blessed to go through college getting scholarships every year. While I may have been a little “poor” along the way, the debt I will graduate with is far less than it could be.

Scholarships are more than just financial though; students have to prove themselves worthy of someone's investment. We must maintain a grade point average, fill out lengthy applications and in some cases even go through interviews. We are tasked with selling ourselves as a worthy investment. In return, scholarship donors are looking to students and saying, “we believe in you, you are worthy of investment, I want to be a part of your success story.”

That’s the side of scholarships that truly ignites me. It’s all too easy to look at ourselves and not see our worth or potential. I’m a strong believer in needing a community to rally behind you. People who are going to pick you up when you are down, people who are going to challenge you and propel you forward. In a lack of better terms, scholarship donors are your community in college.

One of my biggest donors throughout college has been from a private endowment. It’s something I’ve come to really appreciate. Over the years she has become invested in me personally, not just academically. Each year when I get ready to apply or have just applied for her scholarship, she calls me to catch up. She asks me about school, about my future and about my involvement in the community. She can read about any of those things in my essays, but her taking that step to call me and ask directly has become something I love. I know that I’m more than just a random person to her.

The College of Agricultural and Life Science has a number of donors just like her — donors who truly care about the success of students. Just a few years ago, I met a lot of these donors at a scholarship appreciation dinner hosted by the University of Idaho. I and other students got to meet with the donor's face to face, thank them for their investment, share our stories and hear theirs. It was an invaluable experience.

These scholarships are just beginning to open, and it’s time to start applying. One of those scholarships is the Chobani scholarship, a four-year scholarship open to students from the Magic Valley. After four years, the scholarship accumulates to $20,000 and it is specific to our students and engineering majors. You can apply by visiting the CALS website.

I know from experience that it can be disheartening to keep applying to scholarships when you fear receiving a rejection letter. Take a deep breath, know that you are worthy of investment and sell yourself.

Career Fair and Networking Night

It’s that time of year again — we have CALS Networking Night and the University of Idaho Career Fair right around the corner. For many students, this means that internship and career opportunities are just one step away. However, that one step can feel like a momentous trek through the unknown. What do I wear, what do I say, what do I bring, what if they don’t like me, what if someone is more qualified than I am. I asked U of I Adjunct Professor Don Shelton, former executive editor at the Seattle Times, for some advice to help our students out. Here’s what he said:

What should students wear?

“I'd suggest business casual. No jeans, shorts or tennis shoes. Think khakis or slacks, sweaters or collared shirts. No baseball caps. You don't need to wear a suit and tie, but a blazer would impress. Look professional and business-like. You'd rather be overdressed than underdressed.”

What do we need to bring?

“I'd bring a notepad for taking notes and contact information, your resume and if you have a business card (not mandatory for students), bring it. Oh, and bring your smile and a firm handshake. Being personable and engaging is huge. Most of us feel uncomfortable in these settings, in fact most people feel uncomfortable, but push yourself out of your comfort zone. It gets easier each time you do it.”

What should a student include in their elevator pitch?

“First of all, be yourself and be engaging with whomever you talk to. Think of it less as an elevator pitch where you're overtly trying to sell yourself and more as a conversation where you're trying to get to know someone who has experience (and maybe a job) that can help you launch your career. Be sure to tell them about yourself, though, and sell yourself and your superpowers (more on that later) in a conversational way. Also be sure to show interest in them and their company (or whatever). And always thank them for their time and get their contact information so you can grow your network (and your networking skills).”

What are employers looking for when a student first walks up?

“Someone who is engaging, personable and makes a good first impression. Just by walking up to someone and introducing yourself, then asking about them is a good step. It shows initiative. Smile, look them in the eye and shake their hand firmly. Be an active listener — nod, make eye contact and even repeat back what you've heard them say if it's a key takeaway. Make them remember.”

What advice would you give to students as they prepare for networking nights and the career fair?

“Few people are good at networking, making contacts and finding mentors at first. It takes practice. But few things are more important in your career than networking. I was clueless at first. Almost every job I've been hired for (or hired someone else for) was because of a relationship I'd made. Either I'd met them or someone I knew and trusted recommended them to me. Think of networking as relationship building and it doesn't sound so intimidating. Don't underestimate yourself. Most of us suffer from imposter syndrome — that nagging fear that we're not good enough. You have to ignore that self-doubt and put yourself out there and believe in yourself. I believe everyone has a superpower — something they are great at that they can sell to employers. You just have to believe in yourself enough to find that superpower and confident enough to sell it. That superpower can be as simple as being creative and able to think outside the box. Or it can be the ability to adapt quickly to new situations.”

If you’re feeling a little nervous, that’s okay. Remember to take a deep breath and have confidence in yourself. You never know who you’re going to meet at the Career Fair and how that will change your trajectory. Hopefully these quick tips ease your fears a bit, but most importantly, helps you prepare in the coming week. Good luck, Vandals!