Sagarika, a 24-year-old M.Tech scholar at IIITB, finds herself immersed in the realms of Computer Science, accompanied by the soothing echoes of a joint family and the steadfast bonds of trustworthy friendships.
Beyond the academic rigours, her pursuits span the diverse landscapes of reading, music, and sports.
As June unfolded, Sagarika faced the daunting pressures of placements, a storm that left her feeling overwhelmed and emotionally numb. The competitive waves and the looming fear of unemployment fueled panic, yet the weight was too burdensome to share with friends or family.
It was during this tumultuous period that YourDOST emerged as a sanctuary, beckoning her through the college’s partnership and offering a haven to untangle her emotions.
Into Sagarika’s narrative stepped Ms. Pranomi Bordoloi, a compassionate guide in the turbulent seas of academic stress. Their exchanges became a refuge for not just conversations but insightful debates, providing Sagarika with a fresh perspective on her challenges.
“Speaking to her helped me open myself to my inner feelings, and her perspectives helped me feel validated, bringing me back to her,” expressed Sagarika.
She explained the underlying transformative impact of empathetic counseling.
Under the guidance of Ms. Pranomi, Sagarika delved into a toolkit of online assessments, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques. These became the companions in her battle against overthinking, aiding her in understanding her environment with newfound clarity.
The once-dismissive approach to her emotions morphed into a mindful acknowledgement of the present moment.
The therapeutic exercises marked a turning point for Sagarika, helping her rein in her racing thoughts.
“I used to go out with my friends but would return without truly experiencing joy. I was oblivious to my emotional state.”
Ms. Pranomi’s wisdom prompted a change in perspective, urging Sagarika to be present and relish the current moment rather than succumb to future anxieties.
Expressing her gratitude, Sagarika shared her words of gratitude with her counselor.
“I wish to thank her for understanding me during this difficult phase. She helped me pace through it, and she was the one who helped me understand myself better.”
The acknowledgement stands as a testament to the profound impact of a counselor’s role in guiding individuals toward self-discovery and resilience.
The counseling journey wasn’t merely a process of personal understanding; it was an expansion of horizons. Sagarika found herself navigating the intricate terrain of academia, not as a solitary traveller but as someone equipped with newfound strength and perspective. The burdens of placement pressures transformed into stepping stones for personal growth.
Sagarika’s story unfolded, it became a beacon for those grappling with the uncertainties of academia and the weight of future endeavours. It offers solace to those who resonate with the pressures of placements, assuring them that counseling isn’t just a remedy; it’s a transformative odyssey toward self-empowerment.
Sagarika’s tale blossoms into a testament to resilience, emphasizing the power of counseling in fostering personal growth amid academic challenges.
Sagrika’s Warrior Tips:
1.”People think counseling is for people who are weak and would take it up nly when something bad happens.”
2.”Never give into this, your issues big or small are still yours so always refrain from having such misconceptions and seek the help you deserve.”
