SUNY Old Westbury junior Shaquana Ricketts remembers the moment her world began to crumble.

The public health major was a sophomore at the time and was sitting in the Campus Center when she opened an email informing her that she had been placed on academic probation.

“I remember opening the email and just staring at it,” Ricketts said. “It felt like everything I had been trying to keep together just fell apart at that moment.”

For Ricketts, the notice confirmed fears she had quietly carried for months. Like many commuter students, she was juggling multiple responsibilities outside of the classroom. Long travel times to campus, part-time work and the pressure to maintain good grades created a constant sense of stress.

“At first I didn’t want to tell anyone,” she said. “I felt embarrassed and worried people would think I just wasn’t trying hard enough.”

Instead of asking for help right away, Ricketts said she tried to handle the situation on her own. She continued going to class, completing assignments and working her job while keeping the news of her probation to herself.

“I kept thinking, ‘What if I can’t fix this?” Ricketts said. “What if this means I’m not meant to be here?”

Those thoughts stayed with her during long commutes to campus and late nights studying. The pressure began to affect her confidence as a student.

“You start to question yourself,” she said. “You wonder if everyone else has it figured out and you’re the only one struggling.”

Eventually, Ricketts decided she could not manage the situation alone. Earlier this semester, she made the decision to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Wellness Services on campus. The office provides confidential counseling and support sessions for students experiencing stress, anxiety or academic pressure.

Even then, she said, taking the first step was difficult.

“I was really nervous before my first session,” Ricketts said. “I didn’t know what to expect, and I was afraid of being judged.”But once she arrived, that fear began to fade.”

Listening to other students share their experiences made her realize she was not alone in feeling overwhelmed.

“When I walked in, I realized a lot of people were dealing with the same kinds of pressures,” she said. “Hearing that made me feel less alone.”

Over time, the sessions helped her build confidence and develop better ways to manage stress. One moment in particular stood out to her as a turning point.

“One day I finally spoke up and talked about everything I had been holding in,” Ricketts said. “It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.”

For Ricketts, the experience changed the way she viewed asking for help. What once felt like a sign of weakness began to feel like an important step toward improvement.

“I realized getting support doesn’t mean you’re failing,” she said. “Sometimes it’s exactly what you need to move forward.”

Her story reflects a broader reality for many college students. Across campuses nationwide, conversations about student mental health and academic stress have become more common, especially during demanding times in the semester like midterms.

Ricketts said she now hopes other students who may be struggling will consider using the resources available to them.

“A lot of people think they have to deal with everything by themselves,” she said. “But there are people here who actually want to help.”

Today, Ricketts says she feels more hopeful about her future at SUNY Old Westbury. Although the experience of being placed on academic probation was difficult, it ultimately pushed her to find support and regain confidence in herself.

“I’m still working through things, but I feel stronger now,” she said. “I know I’m not alone, and that makes a huge difference.”