By Ava Rose, Child and Youth Care practicum student

Have you ever stayed up late just to finish an assignment or catch up on studying? I know I have. Sometimes it feels like I need to really push myself just to keep up with school, work and life in general. When I fall short of those expectations, guilt creeps in fast. I know I’m not alone in this, and that it’s something many of us at Douglas have experienced at some point.  

During my practicum with the Student Affairs and Services Wellness Team, I’ve come to realize how important it is to meet myself with compassion during tough moments. This mindset has helped me build more resilience and take better care of my mental and physical wellness. Especially during exam season, I’ve found that being gentle with myself and focusing on small, sustainable habits make the biggest difference. I genuinely encourage other students to take an approach of self-compassion when dealing with the stresses of school and personal life.  

How self-compassion enhances physical wellness 

1. Reduce exercise guilt and encourage movement 

Many students, me included experience guilt when they miss a workout or struggle to meet their fitness goals. Self-compassion has encouraged me to reframe exercise – now I see it as a way to care for myself, not a reflection of self-worth. Instead of feeling guilty for missing a workout, I am able to recognize that rest is essential for maintaining my wellness! Ben, a second-year Computing Science student, says, “I used to force myself to go to the gym even when I was burnt out from school and work. Now, I listen to my body. Some days I focus on letting myself get lots of rest since I know it’s the best thing I can do for myself at that moment.” 

2. Nourish the body with kindness 

Self-compassion also changes the way I think about nutrition. Instead of focusing on restrictive diets that often lead to guilt and unhealthy habits, I try to approach eating with mindfulness. That means paying attention to hunger cues, enjoying meals without judgment and choosing foods that fuel me. My classmate, Donna, a fourth-year Child and Youth Care student, shared with me a similar perspective: “I used to feel guilty about eating ‘unhealthy’ foods, but now I practice balance. One meal doesn’t define my health or well-being; if I want to have a sweet treat, I will let myself, without feeling guilty.”  

3. Prioritize rest and recovery 

Rest, whether it’s sleep or simply taking time to unwind, is a key part of mental and physical wellness. For me, practicing self-compassion helps me recognize when I need a break, instead of seeing it as being lazy. Sleep is often not prioritized by students because of the need to meet deadlines or cram for exams. But approaching rest with a self-compassionate mindset helps set boundaries, like calling it a night instead of pushing through. Claire, a third-year Financial Services student, has started prioritizing rest: “I constantly remind myself that time management is really important. If I’m not able to get something done and it’s getting pretty late, I know how important it is to prioritize rest so I can be more present when revisiting studying or assignments the next day.”

Douglas College supports

Douglas College offers resources that can help you integrate self-compassion into your wellness journey:

• Athletics and recreation: The College offers access – included in your student fees – to campus fitness centres, group fitness classes, and fun intramural sports to help you stay active and connected. 

• Counselling: College counsellors can provide guidance on how to balance wellness and academic life, while also giving yourself kindness. 

• Wellness events: Get support and learn strategies for self-compassion, stress management and holistic wellness. Contact saswellness@douglascollege.ca for additional support or information on events! 

Wellness, as a whole, isn’t about perfection: It’s about being kind to yourself. Practicing self-compassion in movement, nutrition and rest can help us develop habits that support long-term well-being. As you navigate student life, remember that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential!  

—

References:

Gedik Z. (2019). Self-compassion and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors in college students. Psychology, health & medicine, 24(1), 108–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2018.150369  

Homan, K. J., & Sirois, F. M. (2017). Self-compassion and physical health: Exploring the roles of perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors. Health psychology open, 4(2), 2055102917729542. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102917729542  

Wong, M. Y. C., Chung, P.-K., & Leung, K.-M. (2021). The relationship between physical activity and self-compassion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 12(3), 547–563. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01513-4 

By Paige Webster, Creative Writing Student 

wan·der·lust
noun
a strong desire to travel.

I’m standing on the streets of Derry, Ireland, shivering from the torrential downpour that has soaked my pants and shoes. The murals loom around me. I huddle closer to my friend, who was smart enough to bring her umbrella, as I strain my ears to listen to our guide, Neal, as he explains the meaning of the painting that sits behind him.

I think of my friends and family back home as another raindrop lands on my forehead, knowing that they are basking in 26-degree weather while I am halfway across the world, shivering in the middle of June.

How I ended up in Ireland – let alone Europe (again) – after not even being home a year after my last trip is still beyond me. But the luck of the Irish was on my side when I discovered the field school being offered in the Summer Semester of 2024.

Travelling after high school had always been a goal of mine, though I was unsure at the time whether I wanted to do it right after graduation or save a bit more money first. But, having graduated in 2020, the choice was made for me courtesy of the pandemic. Spending the next two years (give or take) stuck inside made me antsy to explore. I wanted to start living my life the way I had imagined it, travelling to different places, meeting new people and experiencing other cultures.

Luckily, I had worked hard and saved enough money to finally go on my long-awaited trip in March of 2023. Europe was my destination of choice, starting in England, travelling up to Scotland, over to France, down to Spain, and then back to England to finish the trip off. As a young solo female traveller, I was nervous getting on to that plane – after a tearful goodbye to my parents. This would be the longest I had ever been away from home, and the furthest I had ever travelled without my parents. Every possible thought of what could go wrong raced through my head, but I was grateful to be meeting family on the other side, so if anything did go wrong, I knew I would be OK.

But I know not everyone has that sense of security while travelling, especially if solo travelling. I understand that feeling; it’s how I felt in France and Spain (Spain in particular, as I did not know the language), but I got by. Travelling solo, I understand you may want to go off the beaten path and explore the cities for all they have to offer, and while I recommend doing that, I also suggest sticking to touristy spots. Because if you’re in a country where you don’t know the language, there is a better chance that in those heavily populated tourist areas, there will be someone willing to help you. I tended to stick to myself and tried my best to blend into the crowd, but when I needed it, I would find a tourist info booth, and they were always very kind to me.

That said, my trip did not come without its hiccups. I got really sick when I was in Scotland and was practically bedridden throughout the whole week I was there. I had to cancel the Irish portion of my trip and instead head back to England, three weeks earlier than planned. It bummed me out at the time that I missed out on seeing Ireland, but I figured in a few years I could find my way back to it.

Little did I know that less than a year later, I would once again be at YVR waiting to board a plane to Ireland. But this time, I wasn’t alone.

I first heard about field schools in my Basic French I class. About a month into the semester, the professor began talking about the field school she was organizing in Bordeaux, France. It intrigued me at first, as I’d have liked to explore more of France when I was there the first time, especially considering Bordeaux was a city I had stayed in for a few days, but didn’t explore much of outside the city centre. As the prof went on, the trip started to sound amazing. But the drawback was that it was only 3 credits, and I needed at least 6 to 9 per semester if I wanted to graduate as planned. So, I put my hopes of travelling again to rest.

But a few weeks later, I started seeing flyers around campus for other field schools. Spain, Mexico and Ireland.

What drew me to the Ireland field school was the three classes involved: History, Sociology and English. Three subjects that interested me, in a country I’d missed out on, with people I’d be able to make memories with?

I signed up immediately.

My initial thought was to get my name in the running and think of the logistics later. I’d rather have the opportunity to interview with the professors running the field school than miss out entirely. It’s not necessarily a route I’d recommend for everyone, but if travel is something you’re interested in, but something you aren’t sure how to pursue, I would highly suggest this.

What is a field school exactly?

I found myself having to explain it a lot to my friends and family. A field school is a version of a study abroad program. However, unlike being away for a whole semester and living on your own in a foreign country, you get to know a group of students who also attend Douglas and travel with them for a few weeks in a foreign country. It’s like a field trip! For my field school, we spent the month of May at the Coquitlam Campus, attending classes four times a week. At the beginning of June, we left for Ireland and spent three and a half weeks there. I found that the field school was a great way to get to know both the professors and my peers. Unlike a regular semester where you attend a class maybe once or twice a week and don’t socialize much with the peers in your class, in a field school, you get to know everyone well and can even make some pretty good friends.

I understand a field school may not be for everyone. For those who would rather travel and explore on their own, I would highly suggest doing a study abroad program through Douglas. But if you are hesitant about solo travel, though still want to explore other cultures and parts of the world, a field school is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

There are always opportunities at Douglas for travel.

If travel is something you’ve always wanted to do, a field school or other study abroad programs may be just what you’re looking for. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by, you never know where studying abroad may take you.

It may not take you to the rainy streets of Derry, but if it does, remember your umbrella.

—
Paige Webster is a second-year Creative Writing student at Douglas. In Summer 2024, Paige participated in the Ireland Field School. If you are interested in studying abroad, have a look at Myglobal or contact the Global Engagement office at studyabroad@douglascollege.ca

By Alex Song, Enrolment Services

Understanding tuition payments and fee deadlines isn’t always straightforward. That’s where our Enrolment Services Advisors (ESAs) come in. As experts in the course registration process, we help you navigate fees, deadlines and payment options, so you can stay enrolled in your courses and avoid stress. 

We’ve pulled together some of the most common questions we hear from Douglas students and answered them here. So, let’s dive in. 

1. How do I pay my fees? 

All tuition and fees must be paid online. Both domestic and international students can pay through online banking by adding Douglas College as a payee through your bank or credit union’s bill payment system. Keep in mind that online banking payments can take two to three business days to process, so ensure you make your payment a few days before the deadline. International students can also pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) through the Douglas College student portal. You may also use Flywire for secure international wire transfers. 

2. When are the payment deadlines? 

If you register for courses before the first payment deadline, make sure your tuition is paid by that date. This is usually about three weeks before the semester begins. If you register after the first payment deadline, your payment is due by the second payment deadline, which typically falls at the end of the second week of the semester. 

Altogether, there are four fee payment deadlines each semester, each with different impacts on your enrolment: 

• First deadline – deregistration: If you miss this deadline, you will be deregistered from your classes, including wait-listed classes. 
• Second deadline – financial hold + $25 late fee (per course): You won’t be deregistered, but you’ll receive a hold preventing you from registering for future courses until fees are paid. 
• Third deadline – financial hold + $100 late fee: The financial hold continues, and the penalty increases until feels are paid. 
• Fourth deadline – Financial hold + additional late fees: The hold remains, and an additional $100 late fee is applied. 

Check Dates & deadlines for the current semester.  

3. Can I pay my fees in person on campus? 

We do not accept in-person tuition payments. Payments must be made online. 

4. What is a fee deferral, and how does it work?

A fee deferral gives you extra time to pay your tuition and is usually granted to students waiting on student loans. If you think you might qualify, check the Fee Deferral page. 

5. My student loan might not arrive on time. What should I do? 

If your student loan is approved, you’ll qualify for a fee deferral. This usually gives you until the end of the first month of the semester to pay. Apply early to avoid penalties or being dropped from your classes.  

6. Do I need to pay for wait-listed courses? 

No, you don’t pay for wait-listed classes. You only pay for them once you are officially enrolled. 

7. What if I register or get a wait-list offer after the first fee payment deadline? 

If you register or accept a wait-list offer after the first deadline, you have until the second deadline to pay your fees. 

Using this upcoming Summer Semester as an example, if you register for courses after the first payment deadline (April 22), the payment is due by the second payment deadline (May 21).  

Need more help?

Contact us.

By Sean Velasco, Athletics and Recreation

We all know that physical activity is good for our bodies, but its impact on mental health is just as important. Whether it’s stretching, lifting weights, or playing a sport, movement can help clear your mind, boost your energy, and improve focus. The key isn’t about pushing yourself to the limit—it’s about finding ways to move that fit into your life.

At Douglas College, we’re committed to student well-being. Through our Mental Wellness Strategy, we recognize movement as a vital tool for mental health. Whether it’s an intense workout or a simple stretch between classes, every bit of movement contributes to a healthier mind and body.

The benefits of moving your body

Ways to get moving at Douglas

The most important part is finding movement that works for you. Prioritizing physical activity isn’t just about fitness; it’s a powerful way to support your mental well-being.