---
title: When Being ‘Real’ Is ‘More Valuable Than Wearing a Mask’
date: 2026-02-23T07:30:00-05:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/when-being-real-is-more-valuable-than-wearing-a-mask"
section: Articles
---
# When Being ‘Real’ Is ‘More Valuable Than Wearing a Mask’

*February 23, 2026* — by [Sala Levin ’10](/author/sala-levin-10)


> From Personal Traumas, UMD Alum Develops Journal That Encourages Mental Health Check-Ins

*Lets Get Real 1920x1080 1 — Ella Macduff '25 used journaling to work through her traumatic experiences. Now, she and her mom, Teri, have created a journal intended to help others navigate mental health challenges. (Photos courtesy of Ella Macduff)*

As a freshman at the University of Maryland, Ella Macduff ’25 projected perfection. She’d been the captain of her high school dance team, was studying management and marketing at her dream school, and had a handsome, long-term boyfriend.

But underneath, Macduff was struggling. She was recovering from an eating disorder, suffering from panic attacks and anxiety after a traumatic incident at a bar, and working to free herself from an emotionally unhealthy relationship.

Journaling was one method Macduff used to process her emotions. Now, the goal of “[Let’s Get Real](https://chasingredflags.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorCxcxypseVZgE3ElNRQz4VLskvXqBQDRNXcEfZLCFUTg_GiCaX),” a new mental wellness journal Macduff created with her mother, Teri Macduff, is to encourage people to be honest with themselves and others about their struggles. The journal includes writing prompts, discussion questions, stress reduction strategies and inspirational quotes to help users manage anxiety, develop healthy coping skills and build self-confidence.

“Self-reflection can be a tool for connection,” said Macduff. “I want to make people feel connected and less alone.”

\[[*UMD Increases Mental Health, Wellness Services*](https://today.umd.edu/umd-increases-mental-health-wellness-services)\]


*Ella and Teri Macduff hold "Let's Get Real" journal — Ella (left) '25 and Teri Macduff*



**Sidebar note:**

Feeling stressed? Here are a few tips from Ella and Teri Macduff on how to check in with yourself in anxious times.

- Listen first. Before making resolutions, journal about what you really need—what drained you, and what restored you.
- Embrace the messy middles. Progress isn’t linear; the pauses are part of it.
- Redefine growth. Use connection, not perfection, as your compass.
- Honor every version of you. The past ones brought you here.

Feb. 23–March 1 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Learn more at the National Eating Disorders Association [website](https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaw/#:~:text=National%20Eating%20Disorders%20Awareness%20Week%E2%80%8B&text=In%202026%2C%20NEDAW%20takes%20place,races%2C%20genders%2C%20and%20backgrounds.).





**Topics:** [People](https://today.umd.edu/tags/people)


**Tags:** [Mental Health](https://today.umd.edu/topic/mental-health), [Alumni](https://today.umd.edu/topic/alumni)


**Units:** [Robert H. Smith School of Business](https://today.umd.edu/topic/robert-h-smith-school-business)