SELF ESTEEM AND THE STUDENT- FRESHERS EDITION

Amidst all the new faces, new classes and new expectations, it’s only a matter of time before something starts to shift in you. The fact that you might automatically start to struggle with things that have always been your forte might affect your self-esteem. Self-esteem is simply how you value yourself and how confident you feel in your abilities, and whether you realize it or not, it influences almost everything you do.

The following are ways self-esteem affects students:

1.      Academic Performance:

When you doubt yourself, even simple courses start looking like rocket science. You avoid asking questions in class because you’re scared people will laugh. But students with healthy self-esteem? They try, they make mistakes, they learn, and they grow.

2.       Social Life:

Low self-esteem makes you sit at the back of class or think everyone is judging your outfit, accent, or answer to questions. Meanwhile, good self-esteem helps you get comfortable expressing yourself, join groups, and enjoy your campus journey without overthinking everything.

3.      Decision-Making:

Strong self-esteem helps you set boundaries, make clear choices, and stay focused on your goals. Low self-esteem, on the other hand, often leads to indecision, peer pressure, and constantly seeking approval from others.

Ways students can boost their self-esteem:

1.      Celebrate your little wins:

Acknowledge your progress. Every win counts, even the little ones. You found your lecture hall without asking for help? Win. You answered a question in class today? Win.

2.      Cut out negative self-talk:

Speak kindly to yourself. Change “I can’t do this” to “I’ll improve with practice.”

3.      Surround yourself with the right people:

Stay around people who uplift you, not those who tear you down or make you feel inadequate.

4.      Set simple, achievable goals:

Don’t try to do everything at once. Start small. Small successes build big confidence.

5.       Look good, feel good:

Good hygiene, clean outfits, enough rest, and staying healthy can improve how you feel about yourself.

6.      Stop comparing yourself to others:

 Everyone grows at their own pace. Focus on your journey.