In this episode Jim Owens and fellow LCC Mental Health Counselor Louise Rabidoux discuss the value of spending time in nature, following one’s passion, and overcoming the loneliness that can accompany moving away to attend college. Louise shares how her parents inspired her to go to persist in college even though she struggled mightily in making friends in a new city.
Jim cites some research published by Dr. Richard Light at Harvard University demonstrating that the strongest predictors for success in college are not academic readiness, but rather social connectedness to professors, advisors, and peers.
Louise shares some ideas for how to thrive in college including the usefulness of applying curiosity rather than judgment to achieve greater understanding of self and others, and the power of in-person social connections and friendships to support lifelong mental wellbeing.
