Stress, Success, and Duck Syndrome

All-nighters, jam-packed schedules, and overflowing cups of coffee. It’s no secret that being a college student these days can feel overwhelming. As the first in her family to attend college, Tianna knows what it’s like to juggle multiple majors, roles, and responsibilities while secretly struggling with anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism. One day, she discovered a term for what she was experiencing — “duck syndrome” — a common phenomenon where college students appear cool and calm on the surface while paddling hard underneath.

Tianna’s journey to self-care began during her senior year of college when she learned to overcome duck syndrome through holistic wellness. Since then, Tianna has been on a mission to connect with students and ensure that they’re equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources to navigate the ups and downs of college life. In this program, Tianna teaches students how to care for their mental health and wellness through a holistic lens, and offers practical wisdom for how to navigate the college journey with clarity and confidence.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this program, participants will learn:

-What duck syndrome is, and how it may be hindering their mental health & wellness
-How to recognize signs of duck syndrome when they arise
-Tangible wellness tools to combat stress, anxiety, and burnout
-How to reframe their idea of success and navigate college with clarity and confidence

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Co-hosted with: Student Counseling Center

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