After my first year of college, I had a 3.78 GPA. I was a leader of a new student organization at my college. I accomplished a lot during my first year. I was really proud of myself. When people asked me what I was doing or what I was going to be doing, I told them.

However, now that the fall semester has started again, I'm not sure how I feel. Why? Every activity I do and every hour I spend volunteering counts towards my future. Still, I want to enjoy college and all it has to offer. Yes, I'm still proud of myself, but I also know I'll have so many responsibilities.

From the outside, I'm successful, but look a little deeper and I'm terrified.

When people ask me what I'm doing to prepare for medical school, I often find myself falling into a hole of fear and self-doubt. It's not because I'm unprepared. It's because I've been working so hard to prepare that I get overwhelmed.

I become terrified that I won't be able to live up to the expectations that I have set for myself. I wonder when I'll break down and cry because of everything I have to do.

Yes, I do well in my classes. I'm doing a lot of things that will help advance my career. I'm about to start volunteering at a local hospital. My life is great, yes, and I'm enjoying every second of it.

Honestly, everything isn't perfect, and I wish people understood that. I'm not always confident in my abilities despite my external success.

I love talking about what I've been doing, but I also need to focus on it less every once in a while. I need to step away from the pressure I set on myself.

Yes, I said I set pressure on myself. I have high expectations for myself. I want to become a doctor, and I'll work as hard as I need to until that happens. With big dreams comes a lot of stress, self-doubt, and, honestly, overexertion.

Here is a message I want to reiterate: Asking college students what they are doing over and over again rather than checking in with them from time to time is very damaging.

Like I said before, I want to enjoy college without worrying excessively about it. I want to prepare for my future while making memories with my friends. There's a balance that can be found. I know that because I've felt that balance before and just have to get back on track.

Burnout is a real problem that isn't solved by grabbing another cup of coffee. Looks can be deceiving. Looking alert and motivated is one thing; feeling alert and motivated is another. Even the most successful people struggle, and they usually struggle in silence. Being successful does not guarantee happiness.

Mental health problems are on the rise in college students. Do something to help.

If you have friends in college who are doing well academically, congratulate them for a job well done, but be sure to remember that those who seem like they have it all can struggle too. If they've spent hours in the library before a big exam, invite them to dinner and ask how they are doing. They'll appreciate it.