What were therapists really like in college?

In this candid episode of College Is Fine, Everything’s Fine, we sit down with therapists for an unfiltered conversation about their actual college experiences—no polished bios, no clinical jargon, and absolutely no acronyms.

From awkward roommate situations to academic struggles, bad decisions, and lessons learned the hard way, our guests share the truths they wish someone had told them as students. This episode is equal parts validating, surprising, and reassuring—especially if you’ve ever thought, “Everyone else has this figured out except me.”

Whether you’re stressed about grades, doubting your major, or feeling behind, this episode is your reminder that becoming a therapist (or a functional adult) was never a straight line.

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
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Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

In this episode, Rae Jacobson, an expert on ADHD, shares her personal journey with ADHD and learning disabilities. She discusses the challenges she faced in college, the importance of finding the right educational environment, and the value of self-awareness and support systems for students with learning differences.

Keywords:

ADHD, learning disabilities, college, self-awareness, support systems

Takeaways:

• ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing.
• Finding the right college fit is crucial.
• Support systems are essential for success.
• Self-awareness helps in managing ADHD.
• Executive functioning skills are vital.
• College isn't a cure-all for learning issues.
• Peer support can be incredibly beneficial.
• Professors can be valuable resources.
• Mental health services are important.
• ADHD affects more than just academics.

Rae Jacobson, MS, is the lead of insight at Understood and host of the podcast Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson. She is a writer, ADHD expert, and former senior editor at the Child Mind Institute. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, the Daily Beast, Rolling Stone, Parenting, American Girl, and more.

To hear more from Rae, make sure to check out her podcast Hyperfocused, brought to you by Understood.org. Both are amazing resources for college students with learning differences.

Link:

https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/hyperfocus/welcome-to-hyperfocus-with-rae-jacobson

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

College can feel overwhelming. Going to office hours is one of the simplest ways to feel connected, supported, and confident—academically and emotionally. After hearing from high school seniors and college students who regret never building relationships with professors, we brought in someone who truly understands the other side of the desk: Dr. Danielle DeNigris, Associate Professor of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. DeNigris breaks down what office hours actually are, why professors genuinely want you to come, and how these quick conversations can help you understand class material, fix study strategies, navigate confusing assignments, or—plot twist—build mentorships that matter long after the class ends.

Whether you’re a first-gen student, someone who’s always worried about “bothering” your instructor, or someone who never knows what to say in an email, this episode has concrete tips, scripts, and college hacks that make showing up feel 100× less intimidating.

Dr. DeNigris-

https://www.fdu.edu/profiles/danielle911_denigris/

UNC Office Hours Guide-

https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/using-office-hours-effectively/

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner