I enjoy writing because I love sharing and reflecting on stories about my life, or other people’s lives. My writing has guided me to be the person I want to be in the world.

When you build your identity, even a comparatively low-stakes one like your undergraduate major, around your ability to generate a creative product, it’s terrifying to feel like you’ve lost that ability.

Doing crafts or other creative activities is fantastic for your mental health. Regardless of the creative activity you choose to partake in, research shows that crafting can “bolster mood, improve self-confidence and reduce stress overall.” And for everyone, especially college students, finding ways to manage your mental health and achieve these outcomes is of the utmost importance.

Fanfiction itself is not the problem. When it is consumed on the platforms that were made for it, fanwork can have a positive impact on the creators and consumers. Even if it is cringey or embarrassing for some people, if it exists in its own sphere then there really is no harm in it, especially if it makes other fans happy. 

Having fun with your living space on campus can refresh your mood. Here are some new uses for furniture you already have.