Student challenges

If we stay too long on social networks, which is often the case, it happens that our self-confidence decreases, whether it is because of a picture of an index with all tens, a video of perfectly arranged apartments, hours of studying, etc. As much as we are aware that it is staged and that our success is not only made up of grades, this kind of content makes us feel less valuable and less successful.
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We talked about these topics with Lana Nikolić, a journalist and activist who, on her Instagram profile @lanushhh, advocates for the availability of knowledge, but also care and tenderness towards oneself in an unrealistic digital world.
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How to use social networks in the right way, ie. not fall under their influence?“"When I was at the basic and master levels of studies ten years ago, it seems to me that social networks were less present - there were not yet so many smartphones and there was not so easy access to the Internet, nor applications that were created with the intention of staying in their space as long as possible. From personal experience (today), I can say that I sometimes spend more time on social networks than I want, but I try to organize my use as needed, so that it is not impulsive, but with a purpose and measure that I would recommended, although it is a big challenge. The potential of social networks is great, it is important that we use them in a way that changes things for the better and that we pay close attention to how we feel while using them, so that we can take a break in time if we need one.
It's okay to have different life stages that don't always look and feel like something positive, during which we are in the process of learning and getting to know ourselves and others, and our place in the world, then we should give ourselves space and avoid comparing ourselves to others, because everyone is doing the best they can.

The best version of yourself does not exist, it is a complete illusion, all we can do is to try to act in the direction of good and beautiful every day for ourselves and for society.

Our role is to discover our potentials and give them time to blossom, and it would be ideal if we could also look forward to other people's potentials and support them wherever we can, as far as the circumstances allow.".

How to deal with academic burnout and deadlines while studying? How to get rid of nervousness before the exam?

“"I am looking for an answer to these questions myself, and for now I only have one — step by step, day by day. The search for knowledge is full of challenges and can be difficult, in those moments I believe it is best to seek the help of an expert such as a psychologist if it is a question of mental health, but of course, in relation to the material and professors, colleagues.

The most important thing is to have understanding for yourself and your processes, not to compare yourself with others and ask for support when we need it.

You learn a lot at university, but we will have room for additional understanding of the subject we are interested in later. I would like to say, instead of fearing exams and fearing that we don't know enough, we cultivate curiosity towards knowledge and approach learning new things with joy. Acquiring knowledge is a really special process, it would be wonderful to give ourselves space and creativity when we dedicate ourselves to it, as much as possible".

As exam dates approach, don't forget to take care of yourself, set realistic goals, take breaks and don't be afraid to ask for help. Good luck in the exam period!