3 answers
Yasmine
Student
Tamarac, Florida
1
Question
Updated
409 views
My main question is how I maintain myself mentally and financially as a future/current HBCU student?
Hi there! My name is Yasmine, and I will be a future spartan at Norfolk State University majoring in psychology! I'm highly passionate on advocating for mental health, marching band and cooking!
My main question is how I maintain myself mentally and financially as a future/current HBCU student?
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3 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
977
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Yasmine!
I want to start by congratulating you on your upcoming journey as a Spartan at Norfolk State University! It's incredible to hear about your passion for cooking, psychology, mental health advocacy, and marching band—such a vibrant combination that will undoubtedly make your college experience rich and fulfilling. It's a powerful decision to attend an HBCU like Norfolk State, and it's a smart move to consider your mental and financial wellness.
It's important to establish a solid support system early on in order to protect your mental health. Speak with classmates, mentors, and the campus mental health services; the majority of HBCUs provide resources designed to help students both academically and emotionally. Whether it's preparing a cozy dinner, listening to music, or just taking some time to yourself, make time in your schedule for happiness and self-care. Practicing mindfulness or writing might help you stay grounded and better handle stress. Remember to pace yourself and refrain from overcommitting when participating in active activities like the marching band. It's great to be involved, but the best way to safeguard your wellbeing is to maintain balance.
Making and following a budget is important from an economic point of view. You Need a Budget (YNAB) and Mint are two tools that can assist you in tracking your spending and saving objectives. Utilize all available school resources, including food pantries, student discounts, and any workshops Norfolk State may be offering on financial literacy. Because they often fit student schedules, look for flexible part-time jobs or work-study programs, particularly those on campus. Additionally, after you start school, keep searching for scholarships because there are plenty of them available to continuing students, people active on campus, and advocacy workers.
Your college experience will be what you make of it, and you're already headed in the right direction with your interests and vision. Your Spartan community has your back, so keep speaking out for yourself, maintain your curiosity, and rely on the people around you for support!
Best wishes!
I want to start by congratulating you on your upcoming journey as a Spartan at Norfolk State University! It's incredible to hear about your passion for cooking, psychology, mental health advocacy, and marching band—such a vibrant combination that will undoubtedly make your college experience rich and fulfilling. It's a powerful decision to attend an HBCU like Norfolk State, and it's a smart move to consider your mental and financial wellness.
It's important to establish a solid support system early on in order to protect your mental health. Speak with classmates, mentors, and the campus mental health services; the majority of HBCUs provide resources designed to help students both academically and emotionally. Whether it's preparing a cozy dinner, listening to music, or just taking some time to yourself, make time in your schedule for happiness and self-care. Practicing mindfulness or writing might help you stay grounded and better handle stress. Remember to pace yourself and refrain from overcommitting when participating in active activities like the marching band. It's great to be involved, but the best way to safeguard your wellbeing is to maintain balance.
Making and following a budget is important from an economic point of view. You Need a Budget (YNAB) and Mint are two tools that can assist you in tracking your spending and saving objectives. Utilize all available school resources, including food pantries, student discounts, and any workshops Norfolk State may be offering on financial literacy. Because they often fit student schedules, look for flexible part-time jobs or work-study programs, particularly those on campus. Additionally, after you start school, keep searching for scholarships because there are plenty of them available to continuing students, people active on campus, and advocacy workers.
Your college experience will be what you make of it, and you're already headed in the right direction with your interests and vision. Your Spartan community has your back, so keep speaking out for yourself, maintain your curiosity, and rely on the people around you for support!
Best wishes!
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
70
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
Norfolk State University is a wonderful place for psychologists. You have a strong background. Cooking, marching band, mental health, you have a lot going on here, which can be stressful. To protect energy, try mindfulness tools like Headspace or Insight Timer; they have free resources you can use.
You can create a group, especially for mental health advocates.
For HBCU-focused scholarships like UNCF, THURGOOD Marshall College Fund, National Association of black Psychologists.
Apply for scholarships and grants to be financially grounded. This is free money.
Also, the NSU work study is helpful.
Side hustle, like selling baked goods, meals, and offering tutoring, you can try those.
Try to keep a journal, and write your goals, planning, and your inspirations, which will keep you updated for the future.
Best,
You can create a group, especially for mental health advocates.
For HBCU-focused scholarships like UNCF, THURGOOD Marshall College Fund, National Association of black Psychologists.
Apply for scholarships and grants to be financially grounded. This is free money.
Also, the NSU work study is helpful.
Side hustle, like selling baked goods, meals, and offering tutoring, you can try those.
Try to keep a journal, and write your goals, planning, and your inspirations, which will keep you updated for the future.
Best,
Igor Santos, CF APMP
Proposal Manager Team Lead
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Igor’s Answer
Hi Yasmine! Congratulations on becoming a future Spartan! It’s inspiring to see someone passionate about mental health, marching band, and cooking stepping into this new chapter at Norfolk State — you’re clearly bringing a lot of heart and purpose to your journey.
I want to encourage you with some thoughts to help you stay strong mentally and financially during your college experience:
Financial Wellness:
- Tell Your Money Where to Go — Before It Disappears
Setting up a simple (everydollar app) budget early on can make a huge difference. Think of it like giving every dollar a job — whether it’s covering tuition, textbooks, groceries, or a bit of fun. When you plan your money on purpose, you stay confident and in control.
- Stay Away From Debt — Freedom Is Worth It
Debt might seem normal, but freedom is better. If you can avoid extra loans and credit cards, your future self will thank you. Working part-time or applying for scholarships can ease the load without weighing you down later.
- Start a Small Emergency Fund
Even $500 set aside can turn a surprise expense into a small inconvenience instead of a major stressor. It’s about being prepared and confident, not fearful.
- Live Smart and Build Your Future with Every Choice
Choosing to be intentional with your money now isn’t about missing out — it’s about investing in your dreams. Cooking at home (something you already love!), finding textbook deals, and managing spending wisely will open amazing doors for your future.
Mental Wellness:
- Find Your People
Surround yourself with friends, mentors, and classmates who encourage you and remind you of your goals. Good community is like fuel for your mental and emotional health.
- Take Time to Breathe and Reflect
College can move fast, so it’s powerful to build in moments of rest — journaling, praying, taking a walk, or just enjoying your hobbies. Taking care of yourself is a key part of thriving.
- Create Healthy Rhythms
Protect your sleep, your energy, and your peace by setting healthy rhythms instead of overloading your schedule. Leaving space for creativity, rest, and fun will make you stronger for the journey ahead.
- Give Yourself Lots of Grace
Nobody gets everything right on the first try — and that’s okay. Every challenge is a chance to grow. Celebrate your progress and be proud of every step forward.
All the best,
I want to encourage you with some thoughts to help you stay strong mentally and financially during your college experience:
Financial Wellness:
- Tell Your Money Where to Go — Before It Disappears
Setting up a simple (everydollar app) budget early on can make a huge difference. Think of it like giving every dollar a job — whether it’s covering tuition, textbooks, groceries, or a bit of fun. When you plan your money on purpose, you stay confident and in control.
- Stay Away From Debt — Freedom Is Worth It
Debt might seem normal, but freedom is better. If you can avoid extra loans and credit cards, your future self will thank you. Working part-time or applying for scholarships can ease the load without weighing you down later.
- Start a Small Emergency Fund
Even $500 set aside can turn a surprise expense into a small inconvenience instead of a major stressor. It’s about being prepared and confident, not fearful.
- Live Smart and Build Your Future with Every Choice
Choosing to be intentional with your money now isn’t about missing out — it’s about investing in your dreams. Cooking at home (something you already love!), finding textbook deals, and managing spending wisely will open amazing doors for your future.
Mental Wellness:
- Find Your People
Surround yourself with friends, mentors, and classmates who encourage you and remind you of your goals. Good community is like fuel for your mental and emotional health.
- Take Time to Breathe and Reflect
College can move fast, so it’s powerful to build in moments of rest — journaling, praying, taking a walk, or just enjoying your hobbies. Taking care of yourself is a key part of thriving.
- Create Healthy Rhythms
Protect your sleep, your energy, and your peace by setting healthy rhythms instead of overloading your schedule. Leaving space for creativity, rest, and fun will make you stronger for the journey ahead.
- Give Yourself Lots of Grace
Nobody gets everything right on the first try — and that’s okay. Every challenge is a chance to grow. Celebrate your progress and be proud of every step forward.
All the best,