A few minutes passed in the fourth quarter of the Iron Bowl last year when I decided to get up and leave. Alabama was up, and my hopes were down for Auburn. I remember walking all the way back to my apartment from Jordan-Hare that night and right when I arrived to my front door my mother called.
"We just won the Iron Bowl," she screamed.
I turned on the television to see the replay of Chris Davis returning the field goal 109 yards for the game-winning touchdown. I began to cry.
That fall semester had been one of the hardest for me to get through. I was dealing with depression and anxiety, trying to have hope and stay positive.
I let all of my feelings and stress get in the way of experiencing what would have been one of the greatest moments I could have had in college.
So in that moment I realized I learned one of the biggest lessons I could learn from leaving a football game.
Do not lose hope. Do not give into a negative mindset. There is always going to be a bump in the road one time or another.
College is a time for growing, discovering and learning from mistakes.
I let everything build up until I could not handle it anymore, and, in return, that gave way to one of the worst semesters I could have.
Losing sleep and downing energy drinks have been submersed into the daily life of a student.
I cannot remember the last time I woke up excited to come to campus.
I am here to tell you it is important to make good decisions for yourself and in return you will see positive progress.
If things are turning bad take action and ask for help before it could make a negative impact.
Lots of students often experience depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) college students are not getting the proper treatment they need.
It is best to reach out if you are having a problem with class work or if something is bothering you.
Professors and advisers are always willing to assist students who are struggling.
I have learned the sooner you take care of an issue, the faster you will be on the right track. There is always a way to work things out.
The medical clinic at the university offers student counseling and 10 sessions to students per academic year.
You can call Auburn Student Counseling Services at 334-844-5123 to make an appointment.
Take action now, reduce stress and eat healthy. It is not too late to make this semester a great one.
Also, never leave the Iron Bowl early.
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