A New Semester is Here!

A new semester is here, and with it comes the chance to reset—not by expecting perfection, but by setting goals that are realistic and supportive of your well-being. 

It’s easy to feel pressure to do everything at once when classes start back up. But goals work best when they fit your life as it actually is. Taking time to write down your academic or personal goals and adjust them to be more realistic can help reduce stress and make progress feel more achievable. 

A realistic goal doesn’t mean aiming low—it means being honest about your time, energy, and priorities. When goals feel manageable, you’re more likely to stay motivated and less likely to feel overwhelmed. 

Thinking about how to make your goals more realistic? Try this: 

• Break big goals into smaller, specific steps 

• Focus on progress, not perfection. 

• Set goals that fit into your current schedule. 

• Allow room for rest and flexibility. 

This semester isn’t about doing everything flawlessly—it’s about doing what you can, consistently. Take a moment today to write out one academic or personal goal and ask yourself: does this support me, or stress me out? 

You’ve got this, one step at a time. We’re so excited to have you back on campus!