As an international student alumni, I wish I had prioritized my mental health and self-care more during busy semesters. Society often prioritizes productivity and success over our own well-being, leading to burnout and negative consequences. By taking time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation or spending time with friends and family, I would have been able to maintain my wellbeing and balance better. For example, I could have taken a walk in the park instead of spending extra hours at the library or joined a yoga class to destress from coursework. Taking breaks and prioritizing mental health is not only important for personal well-being but also helps improve focus, productivity and overall success in career journeys.