By: Taegan Hardy
The semester is coming to an end and in no time we will all be lounging in the summer sun. I
have to admit, it’s been a hard freshman year for me. Navigating school with OCD is an
extremely difficult task. I hope I can give other students good tips to finish off school year.
I’ve tried all kinds of study techniques: schedules, timers, using lofi, pretty notes, and more. I’ve
had to accept that my brain functions differently than people without OCD. Compulsions like
ruminating keep me from completing things and I tend to avoid anything I think might trigger me.
Ultimately, the best advice I could give is to do what works for you.
have to admit, it’s been a hard freshman year for me. Navigating school with OCD is an
extremely difficult task. I hope I can give other students good tips to finish off school year.
I’ve tried all kinds of study techniques: schedules, timers, using lofi, pretty notes, and more. I’ve
had to accept that my brain functions differently than people without OCD. Compulsions like
ruminating keep me from completing things and I tend to avoid anything I think might trigger me.
Ultimately, the best advice I could give is to do what works for you.
For me school means having special snacks, drinks, fidget toys, and podcasts lying around to
keep my mind working. Little things like peppermints and tea are my version of chewing gum. I
enjoy watching podcasts while I work because it keeps me from feeling alone. Seeing people
talking gives me a sense of calmness. I’m able to focus on my work but still loosely follow the
topic of discussion, allowing myself to multitask.
I also keep a google doc of all the work I have to complete by the end of the year. Each time I
finish an assignment I delete it off the doc and it makes me feel accomplished. Keeping lists like
this can help you keep track of all of your assignments for the semester. I hope everyone is able
to finish off the year strong and make it to summer break.
