This story originally appeared in the Burnout Issue of The Peak. View the full issue here or more stories on our page.
This is a love letter to Cal Poly’s exhausted. This piece explores burnout not just as exhaustion, but as a shared experience.
Burnout is filled with small acts of coping, connection and care. It’s a reminder that even when we can’t do it all, we’re still doing enough.
Photos by Everlynn Dionne
Most likely to romanticize burnout
“It’s important to romanticize burnout because that’s how you get through it. All assignments are little stepping stones, but overall the path looks great.” – Gretta Thompson, aerospace senior
Most likely to request an extension and deserve it
“I have had to request an extension because of work before. I use them pretty sparingly, but some weekends I’ll work like 24 hours. My professors are normally pretty amicable about it though.” – Caspian Ryan, biochem senior
Most likely to be best dressed
“When it’s starting to get cold out sweatshirts are just really soft and comfortable.” – Anya Wilson, architectural engineering junior
Most likely to cry in the library bathroom
“I try to avoid the library on weekends, but find myself in here most Sunday nights.” – Flynn Hanrahan, political science senior
Most likely to fall asleep at the function
“Sometimes school takes it out of me, so I sleep when I can.” – Jess Bleakly, aerospace senior
Most likely to set boundaries
“It’s taken me a couple years to figure out how to balance my life, but now that I’m in my fourth year I’ve got it down. I just think it’s important to have a balance between school and outside hobbies because it promotes the best version of myself.” – Laura Strobbe, mechanical engineering senior
Most likely to drop out (emotionally)
“Homework makes me feel not awesome, but beer makes me feel awesome.” – Henry Preston, math senior
Most likely to burnout while writing about burnout
“I hope this project makes you feel less alone in your burnout.” – Everlynn Dionne, journalism senior
