Facilitators to facilitate students to follow the steps. You have 30 min to finish the activity.
Step 1: Get 3 students to read the story aloud. One student read one part (3 min)
Part 1:
Li Mei, an international student from China, was studying engineering at a university in Malaysia. The classes were harder than she expected. She worried so much that she often had headaches, couldn’t sleep, and sometimes skipped meals. One morning, after another low test score, Li Mei felt dizzy and sat outside the library, holding back tears. “I can’t do this anymore,” she whispered. “Maybe I should just stop.”
Part 2:
Later that day, she visited the student counselor, Ms. Farah.
“Hello, Li Mei,” Ms. Farah said kindly. “You look very tired. What’s troubling you?”
Li Mei explained everything—her heavy workload, fear of failing, and feeling unwell. “I’m thinking of quitting,” she admitted.
Part 3:
Ms. Farah leaned forward. “Li Mei, your health comes first. Worry can harm your body and mind. Let’s take this step by step. Start sleeping seven hours a night, eat regular meals, and walk outside every day. Break your study into small parts, and celebrate each topic you finish. Join our student support group to share your feelings—you’re not alone.”
Li Mei nodded slowly. For the first time in weeks, she felt hope. Instead of stopping, she decided to move forward with a healthier, more positive mind.
Step 2: Students to answer Question 1 and 3 (6 min)
- What physical and mental symptoms did Li Mei experience because of her worries?
- Why did Li Mei consider stopping her studies?
- What specific advice did Ms. Farah give to help Li Mei take care of herself and move forward?
Step 3: Students to discuss Questions 4 and 5 (10 min)
- Which of Ms. Farah’s suggestions do you think would help you most if you were in Li Mei’s situation?
- What small steps can you personally take to manage stress or stay positive when facing challenges?
Step 4: read this quote together. Do you agree with the quotes? (5 min)
- Give all your worries to God because He cares about you – Book of wisdom
- Do what you can, with what you have, where you are — Theodore Roosevelt