Getting to college is one thing. Thriving there is a completely different skill set, and most freshmen figure it out the hard way while they're also trying to keep up with huge lecture halls, new schedules, and an unfamiliar campus. This episode is the roadmap nobody puts in your orientation packet.

Today's guest is Cynthia Coufal, a life coach who spent 36 years working with teens and young adults. She started as a special education teacher, became a school counselor, and now helps young people build the tools to manage anxiety and grow into capable, confident adults

In this episode you'll hear tips from both Leslie and Cynthia on:

• The 4 phases of first semester (honeymoon, dip, defining window, recovery) and what to expect during each
• Why the dip that hits around week 3 to 6 does NOT mean something is wrong with you
• The Stockdale Paradox and why blind optimism is actually the thing that sinks freshmen the hardest
• Why reframing your anxious thoughts changes what your brain looks for evidence of
• How to make friends when you don't know a single person (and why signing up for a bunch of clubs is smarter than picking one)
• Why routines and schedules matter way more than they feel like they should
• Why "showing up for yourself" is a life skill that starts in college and never stops
• The sleep and academic performance research that will change how you think about pulling all nighters
• How the pace of college testing is different from high school and what to do about it
• Why you should map out the counseling center, tutoring center, and office hours BEFORE you need them
• How to self advocate the second something starts to slip instead of waiting until it falls apart

For more on Cynthia Coufal:

Website: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/

Podcast: The Teen Anxiety Maze

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