Advice Column
Sebastian Jimenez offers advice to all of IMG’s student-athletes.
Why is this even a problem people…
These issues are crucial. They are so-not spoken about. Why? Because people are too afraid? Has it been normalized to the point that no one else can figure out what is right and what is wrong? Ugh. It continuously gets worse. More people follow other people. Just following others, into a constant spiral of the same ideas over and over again. What for? Boredom? Maybe. Can’t quite figure that one out but this should not even be a problem people.
What issues? Perhaps the constant cycle of sexism, racism, misogyny, and many more in-between. Now, this is very upfront. But why though? Because it goes against what so many people (you would be shocked) have decided to follow and accept within their friend groups? What for? Nothing of these sorts is necessary. They are not even funny jokes. Never were. They only make an environment unsafe, unfriendly, unwelcoming. This is repulsive.
What should be done
So, like what Sebastian says is all about, we will figure out how to help solve these issues. Uhmmm. Maybe not talk about these types of jokes or think in that type of way. The main reasoning behind that is because people’s way of thinking or the way others express to many other people can be very uncomfortable to them. This is not strictly IMG, this is an overall area that is at an international scale. I really want people to feel happy and flourish in their lives, but people that hinder their openness to expressing themselves continue to live on simply to bring others down. It can’t be that serious to just worry about their own lives and let others live theirs.
This is super short but one of the biggest statistics of this comes from the mental health awareness that goes out to people that are victims of being sexually harassed, facing racism, misogyny being them down, and many more. It is so scary, like dangerously scary, to seeing how much these ways of thinking have inflicted victims that have so much to deal with in their own lives, not to mention the constant battles and obstacles that life brings forth.
Rest for now
I know this is a lot shorter than my first issue but I really didn’t want to start a whole argument as to why those ways of thinking are so harmful. The answer? They just are. Nothing funny from those jokes. Nothing funny out of being racism, misogynistic, sexist, homophobic. Doesn’t make you look cool, doesn’t make you any special than anyone else.
So, I leave you with that. Make good choices, and stand against these continuous cycles that never get better. Only if people realize what they are inflicting on victims, and being bullies that promote an extremely serious issue, will the world perhaps be okay.
That is all from Sebastian Says. What more can Sebastian say later… I actually don’t know yet so hopefully I get that soon. Ciao for now!
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How Fun…
If only the stress of it all simply ran away with the confidence it has to stand before us.
The new school year has begun, and the anxiety rushes through the fragile grades that a slight percentage off could shift that GPA for the worse. The ending of the quarter is near, those final tests upon more rigorous tests will come around, and worst is yet to come. Not only that but for seniors and post-graduates, this month is one of the most important months for applications for those early action or early decision entries. For juniors and sophomores, the time has come for those PSATs, and the SAT & ACT preparation that will either drain those high school memories or prove your dedicated time has come to its full worth. Or simply for the new and returning students, the homesickness of being left in the dorms can be quite unbearable.
So how do you manage this stress? Especially for newer students, what is a way for you to make it through this in a new environment?
I Guess These Are Some Tips for You All
One of two things. Either you let the stress get to you and suffer for those months, or connecting with those resources you have so close to you. I 100% RECOMMEND finding your own method of self-care. Whether that be going through your routines of skincare, organization of your room regularly, or binge-watching Netflix (watch Squid Game because it is really good!), self-care is the main way for you to find that “light at the end of the tunnel.” Resource has shown (yes, I actually researched this for you all… you’re so welcome) that the stress comes from those future expectations for yourself. College, AP exams, fitting in, that one class you hate so much… maybe those many classes that you hate so much. You get it, the list goes on. Undoubtedly, you can never satisfy yourself; but learning to know that this is how you grow and outmatch yourself every time is one of the most powerful weapons lingering in your mind. Cliché, I know. But it must be said.
Of course, we can’t stop there, we have more to cover. Alongside self-care, understanding specifically what you are going through is like the main reason people suffer. You might make it up for something else. Example being that you are failing a class, and choose to blame it on a lack of studying or that the matter is just too hard, instead of perhaps seeing it could be in other areas. Is it the class itself that you find no interest in? No? Could it be the teacher’s way of teaching? I will not know, but you will. Lack of sleep and lack of interest (resource part 2 here we go) for what you do is generated in your mind for the rest of the day. You might not know you have the lack of sleep until you perform. In your sports, you could be more sluggish. In the classroom, that test will… for sure get to you. Might I suggest a planner (only if you are into that; I tried it once and never looked back after; love my decision making). Being able to plan out your ever-changing schedule and figure out those times that you can dedicate to some “you-time” is GAMECHANGER.
I like to end at odd numbers so… resource part 3! Social engagement is really useful, you would never know. Incorporating yourself into these group environments takes your mind off of the stress, even realizing it for the time being and approaching it with a new pair of eyes. This next part comes from Social Anxiety Institute (if any of you are wondering). Social anxiety is not easy thing, it is a battling fear that people with S.A.D. deal with, in some cases at birth. Some tips with these? I don’t deal with S.A.D. myself so I strictly want this next information from that site. They speak on how firstly understanding and having this awareness of the problem can lead to building this repetitious practice of cognitive-behavioral methods to participate in social groups (specific ones to your liking, of course). The right people around you who understand the struggles that you go through should comprehend what makes you the person that you are, and listening to you about how you hope to engage. Not saying a word? Completely okay. Just self-reflection on what you want and what makes you comfortable is what will make you YOU.
Rest for Now
I guess this is all from me. But before I conclude, what did we cover?
Self-care is number 1 (if you don’t take care of yourself hygienically and show compassion for that body of yours… work on that please, you only got one body).
Planners actually work… they really do. Are they for everyone? No. But they work and that is what matters.
Self-reflection is a 10/10 recommended during these stressful times and seeing yourself as what they like and dislike is for you.
As my little conclusion, I want to remind you to please, reach out to those close to you or even me (I usually am available) if these matters seem to get too much for you. You never want to fully commit to stress by yourself as these tips are simply ways for you to maintain and recover. I have to say this because it is VERY IMPORTANT. If times are getting tough and you don’t feel that stability that you used to, reach out to some of the deans in person (ones that you feel comfortable with), your college counselor, or Jenna / Dr. Valle. You can even go to Health Services with John Hopkins to discuss these matters, and talk to your parents about any personal struggles you feel.
That is all from Sebastian Says. What more can Sebastian say later… I actually don’t know yet so hopefully I get that soon. Ciao for now!