February has come in full force this year. The weather has been frigid, and President Trump has been inaugurated — things are looking bleak. Who could forget that midterms are coming up quickly and then sooner than we think, the year is over. At this point in the academic school year, it is crucial to acknowledge the plethora of challenges many students face: the pursuit of academic excellence and maintaining some semblance of mental health.  

Recent data reveals a concerning trend among Canadian post-secondary students. In 2022, a survey revealed that 72 per cent of students have pulled all-nighters to meet deadlines or manage their coursework, with 20 per cent doing so regularly. This type of behaviour over a long time takes its toll on students and their morale.  

The pressure of academic life is further compounded by the complexities of personal relationships, especially during times when societal focus shifts towards themes of love and companionship — a.k.a Valentine’s Day.  

During this time of year, all the classic love stories are plastered on our screens and every retail store in the vicinity is shoving love and romance down our throats. I think it is important to acknowledge the people in our lives and show them we love them all year round — not just on Feb. 14.  

I’m not a cynic. I love love, and I find myself resonating with the line from the film Love Actually, when Hugh Grant says, “if you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love, actually, is all around.” I think love is resilient and exactly what we all need around this time of year, when we are feeling burnt out. However, during these stressful times, the advertising is insane and I think the message of love gets lost behind the capitalist haze. 

Additionally, balancing academic responsibilities with personal connections can be daunting, leading to feelings of isolation and heightened stress. Alarmingly, a recent survey highlighted that more than half of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 experience significant psychological distress, with 18 per cent having serious thoughts about suicide in the past year.  

It’s imperative for educational institutions to recognize these challenges and offer comprehensive support systems. Laurier Brantford does have a variety of resources for students, and it is important to take the time to seek these out if you need them. The wellness centre is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and offers a variety of services for students during these stressful times.  

So Golden Hawks, I hope that everyone gets to take some time this month to show themselves some love, because you all deserve it.