Common Root: students debate academic challenges and experiences

IMPA Tech’s Psychopedagogical Support Center (NAP) held the second meeting of the Common Root project on Tuesday (8). The initiative brings together small groups of students, providing a space for welcoming, relaxation and mutual support. Alongside a psychologist, the students take part in socialization dynamics, relaxation techniques and exchange experiences about studies, personal life and mental health.

For student Herivelton Siqueira, the project is a chance to get to know the different personal realities of his fellow undergraduates. “I’ve been able to understand the difficulties each one has gone through and, with a different view, give each other advice. This space for sharing experiences helps us to get through the new challenges and experiences that academic life suggests,” he said.

According to the student, the main challenges reported by his classmates are common, such as being away from his family, living in another state and insecurity about his studies, seeking a balance between self-care and leisure. On the other hand, the positive part is being able to live in Rio de Janeiro, a globally desired city, and be part of the first graduate program at IMPA, a well-established institute in the field of mathematical research.

Student Mariana Yoshioka really enjoyed the activity and saw the round table as a chance to open up and share her experiences. “It’s good to have this space to talk and listen, because it often happens that I don’t have the courage or the time to go to the NAP on my own. What’s more, I think this space creates stronger connections with colleagues, it’s very interesting,” she said.

For student Letícia Aleixo, Raiz Comum has become an important point of support, strengthening empathy between the participants. “The routine at IMPA Tech and the level of the course are very challenging. I believe that the conversation we had during the meeting helped the students to realize that they are not alone, that they are facing the same challenges that other people are going through or have gone through, and I believe that this will create a connection between the students and a chain of support,” she said.

The expectation is that the meetings will take place monthly, bringing together different participants each time. The activity is voluntary, but places are limited. The idea is for the discussions to be intimate and for participants to feel comfortable sharing experiences, looking for ways to cope better with the academic routine and balance mental health with personal productivity.

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See also: Undergraduates receive gold medal at OBMEP National Ceremony