As the Winter 2025 term wraps up, many of us find ourselves juggling deadlines, exams, and the pressure to finish strong. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially as we compare ourselves to others. Maybe it seems like everyone around you is crushing their assignments, securing amazing internships, or already planning their dream summer jobs. Meanwhile, you’re still trying to keep up with your to-do list. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: everyone’s in the same boat. We often get caught in the trap of comparing our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel. We assume that others are finding it easier, excelling effortlessly, and making the best of every opportunity. But in reality, we all face challenges—some more visible than others.
It’s also natural to feel like you’re not doing enough, especially when it comes to grades, career plans, and finding ways to stand out. We all want to do well in everything, but sometimes that ambition can lead to unnecessary stress. We need to remind ourselves that it’s okay to not be perfect—what’s more important is respecting our own pace and limits.
This is something we all struggle with, but it’s also something we can work through. It’s not fair to compare yourself to others, but we do it anyway, and that’s okay! What’s more helpful is to look at how far you’ve come. If you look back at where you started, you might surprise yourself with how much progress you’ve made. For example, I remember when I was trying to go abroad to volunteer in Tanzania. I was excited but frustrated because my GoFundMe campaign didn’t reach its goal. It felt like a dream that would never come true. But just a few months later, I applied for an incredible internship through Queen’s Project on International Development (QIPD) and was selected to work in Botswana. The opportunity felt like a dream—one that came true because I kept trying.
Networking is a key part of this journey. Sometimes, opportunities come from unexpected places. I first heard about this internship through a peer who reposted a QIPD post on her Instagram. It made me realize just how important it is to stay connected with others at university. Whether it’s through social media, clubs, or events, networking helps you build relationships that can open doors to amazing opportunities. You never know where the next opportunity might come from!
I encourage you to try to take advantage of the services many departments at Queen’s offer. For example, Student Academic Success Services (SASS) has workshops where you can meet others who are working on their academic skills too; Career Services can help students connect with employers and make informed decisions about your future career; and the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) is great for community building and helping students adjust to university life in Canada.
Remember that you’ve come this far, and you are doing great. Trust in your journey, take it one step at a time, and be proud of all that you’ve achieved.
I cannot wait to share my next steps with you. See you next time! J
Maria