Have you ever felt like success came at the expense of your well-being? We put so much on our plate and to do list, wanting to catch up or get ahead to where we think we’re supposed to be. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, many of us began to believe that being successful meant being constantly busy, exhausted, and overwhelmed. I don’t believe that has to be the case. Welcome to The Wellness Scholar, where my hope and goal is to provide you with resources, reflections and strategies to help you thrive and not drown and get through this thing called life. Before I tell you more about why I created The Wellness Scholar, here’s a little bio about me.
Quien es esa chica, Who’s that Girl?
(For those of you who didn’t get the lyric above, it’s from Madonna’s 1987 song “Who’s That Girl?”) I am Dr. Carmen Ochoa-Galindo and I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health and education fields. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and have my doctorate in counseling psychology. I currently teach at UIC in the undergraduate psychology department and I’m also the internship coordinator for our applied psychology track. I do mental health consulting on the side with Chicago Growth Mindset, a great Latina and Women owned organization. I’ve worked in non-profit agencies, psychiatric hospitals, schools, clinics as a therapist and have taught at different universities including St. Xavier University, Morton College, North Park University and even taught English as a second language in Mexico. I am a big animal lover (I have 3 dogs and 3 cats at home!) and a music aficionada. I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first generation college graduate.
Why I Created The Wellness Scholar
As a college professor, I see firsthand the pressure students constantly put on themselves. Many of them put so much on their plate to achieve academically that it takes a toll on their health and well-being. I see it all the time, students not coming to class because they are so tired, taking too many classes in one semester, working on the side to help with expenses and trying to have a life. Unfortunately, many neglect their mental and physical health and just keep pushing through. They sacrifice sleep and exercise and rest in order to achieve academically. Honestly, I tell them it’s not worth it if they are a zombie and just going through the motions. I try to support and guide students as much as I can, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like I’m doing enough. This is why I created the Wellness Scholar, to help students, educators, and others on ways to live a more balanced life.
Success should never come at the expense of your mental health.
In The Wellness Scholar, you will find:
- Evidence-based wellness strategies
- Psychology insights explained in practical ways
- Study and learning tips
- Resilience-building tools
- Book recommendations
- Free resources
- Encouragement grounded in research and experience
I hope students and others begin to prioritize their well-being and remind themselves that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Learning is not just about earning good grades—it’s about becoming a healthier, more resilient, and more fulfilled person.
Whether you’re a student preparing for your next exam, an educator supporting others, or someone simply looking to live with greater balance and resilience, I’m so glad you’re here. I hope The Wellness Scholar becomes a place you return to for encouragement, practical tools, and reminders that your well-being matters just as much as your achievements.
🌱 Reflection Corner
What does wellness mean to you, and are you prioritizing it in your own life?