As a college student, it may be easy to feel like school and campus are safe havens from the rest of the world.
Sometimes though, that bubble of safety and security is broken. It can be from changes in personal finances, loss of employment, certain family dynamics or problems, world events and political pressures or the death of a loved one.
Everyone knows about death. It happens to all of us at some point, one way or another, young or old; it’s inevitable.
We will all go through the process of grief at some point. Unfortunately, it can happen in the middle of what is supposed to be some of the most exciting times of our lives.
While college can be full of great new experiences, people and opportunities, it can also be full of extreme low points in life.
Many students may be silently dealing with their own grief during the school year.
If you’re grieving someone, I’m here to tell you from first-hand experience that it’s normal if grief impacts your academic work, personal relationships and overall well-being.
I am personally going through my first experience with grief and the loss of someone I was somewhat close to. His name was Bryce, and he was in my graduating high school class of 2025.
When I found out he passed, I felt a rapid level of panic and anxiety that I had never felt before. It was also full of uncertainty, as I hadn’t got 100% confirmation his death was true.
When I did get confirmation, it threw me into a deep, depressive episode. However, I was surrounded by friends who also knew Bryce and were going through the same grief.
Grief is not just one smooth process of the five stages. It can fluctuate from depression and lethargy, anger and confusion to happiness and joy.
My best friend and I went to the PPG Ice-Skating Rink in my home city of Pittsburgh a few days after Bryce’s death. While it was a fun experience, we still ended up crying on each other’s shoulders in front of the dazzling Christmas tree in the center of the rink.
A moment like that taught me I’m never alone in grief. If you have memories of the person you are grieving, share them with those around you and those who knew them because happiness and grief coexist.
Reach out for help if you need it. Marshall offers free counseling services, located at Prichard Hall. You can register for regular scheduled sessions with a counselor or just drop in for a quick 30-minute appointment to vent about something specific.
Also remember your support system. Even if you don’t have a lot of friends or family by traditional measures, you can still find support from people you interact with day-to-day.
It will hurt to remember your loved one is no longer here, but in the words of one of the most intelligent and intuitive characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Vision said, “What is grief, if not love persevering?”
Davina Snyder can be contacted at [email protected].
