Dear Boilermaker,
In college, it’s important to celebrate your successes, big and small. But sometimes these successes can be overshadowed by situations where you feel as though you failed.
Whether it’s a bad exam grade, being unsuccessful in a job application, a relationship breakdown or some other setback, these experiences can reduce your confidence and self-esteem. But we want to remind you that you belong at Purdue. You deserve to be here, and there are many campus resources designed to help you reach your goals.
As you experience new challenges, it's important to acknowledge failure as part of the learning process, as well as an opportunity to grow and advance.
Tips for handling failure
- Reflect on the experience, and know that everyone fails. Although painful, failure is part of life. Show yourself kindness and care in the midst of adversity. Consider how experiencing failure will help you build new strategies for overcoming future setbacks.
- Revisit your goals, and create a plan for the future. Dwelling on failures doesn't help you move forward. Once you have given yourself sufficient time to feel the normal emotions associated with the failure, review your goals and create a plan for the future.
- As part of your plan, commit to fostering healthy habits that set you up for success. Start by checking out this self-help guide from Purdue Recreation & Wellness. It highlights ways to improve your habits and lifestyle so you can increase your overall well-being.
- Seek help. Advocacy and support programs on campus can help you cope with mental health issues and other types of hardships. Explore the resources available , and never hesitate to reach out if you need support.
- Remember, your academic advisor can help you find resources for academic and social success and provide guidance on issues like academic holds. Make an appointment with your academic advisor via BoilerConnect .
Resources available to you
Explore the various programs within Purdue’s network of support that can help you achieve your goals and maximize your well-being.
- Helen Bass Williams Academic Success Center . The Helen Bass Williams Academic Success Center (ASC) provides a variety of academic support services for undergrads. Whether you're looking for one-on-one support, extra help for tough courses or strategies to boost your study skills, visiting the ASC in Wiley Hall, Room C215 is a great place to start!
- Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) . ODOS serves as a referral source for students experiencing academic, personal or financial concerns. Familiarize yourself with these resources now so you'll know where to find help when you need it.
- Wellness Coaching . Purdue Recreation & Wellness’s Wellness Coaching program takes your health and wellness goals and turns them into action. Work with your coach to develop goals, overcome barriers and build a lifestyle that fulfills your sense of purpose.
Mark your calendars! 📆
Nov. 22-25 – Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
View the complete academic calendar , or check out these upcoming campus events .
Let us know if you need help or have questions! You can also access previous emails featuring new student tips on our First-Year Success archive .
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