The second semester of college is by far the hardest of the two. Between classes, organizations, summer plans, and having a social life you find that you barely have time to sleep. You find yourself setting goals and realizing that they will not happen until after the semester is over because life is just so hectic during this time. The realities of this semester are quickly learned to be inevitable.
Reality #1: You think you learned your lesson last semester on how to schedule classes, clubs, and your social life, however, you find yourself having even less time to do things. What you thought was good planning actually turned around and bit you in the butt. Turns out, you're still a little lost and don't have this whole college thing figured out.
Reality #2: You slowly find that your clothes are becoming tight and that your stash of food is diminishing quicker than ever. With your increased stress, you find yourself constantly grabbing a bite to eat, even if you aren't hungry.
Reality #3: You and others around you are constantly coughing, sneezing, and sniffling. Spring has sprung and so has allergy season! It seems that everywhere you go, there is a chance you will catch a cold. You pray that you don't get a cold or your colleges 'plague' on top of the allergies you already have.
Reality #4: Because of everything on your plate, you sacrifice your sleep which makes you resemble a crazy pirate man (i.e. Captain Hook). Your lack of sleep really shines through when you begin to wear sweats to class and you're running out the door with your hair still wet. Don't worry, you're not the only one.
Reality #5: You often forget to take a break and relax or do something for you because of all you have on your plate. Sometimes you just need a reminder from a friend to take a breath and smile.
Reality #6: You often overbook yourself so much that you have to cancel on people over and over again. You don't mean to be rude, but there is so much on your plate that you have to make choices and determine what's most important. Often times, it's hard to remember that you are seeking a higher education, therefore, you should study for that Psychology test instead of going out to be social with friends.
Reality #7: You tend to have zero tolerance for other people complaining about what's on their plate. No matter what they have going on, it always seems like you have 10x more to do.
Reality #8: The phrase, "I'll go to the gym more," is a complete lie. It seems as if you make it to the gym more than 10 times, people are impressed. In fact, if you go to the gym, this is probably what you look like during and after your workout during this time of year.
Reality #9: You realize that no matter how much you study for something, at some point you won't be able to remember everything for every class. It's difficult, but sometimes you find yourself putting one class aside because it's the "easiest" of the others which results in you having to think harder about the material come exam time.
Reality #10: Spring Break is the one thing we all look forward to during this semester, however, it seems to come and go all too quickly. While it lasts, you find yourself dancing away to the Hawaiian music on the beach, while you have your toes in the sand and your umbrella up--just kidding. You usually use this time to catch up on your lack of sleep from the semester, but if you're really lucky, you will be knee deep in the water somewhere.
Reality #11: Registering for classes once again comes around the corner and it seems as if everyone is stressed. Everyone is scanning through the courses instead of writing papers, reading their textbooks, and doing their required homework. It feels like the only task you have during this time is figuring out what to take towards your majors and minors and, of course, the general education classes you must take. There are always those students who obsess constantly over this and yell every time a class becomes full. This, in turn, stresses you out and just calls for an overall demanding situation for everyone.
Reality #12: You always seem to have busy weeks. Each person's busy time of the semester is different, but you feel so accomplished when you power through it and get all of your work done and still have time to go to all of the clubs and organizations you have dedicated your time to.
Reality #13: You really stop caring about your appearance. I remember wanting to dress nice every day and shower before class each day. That did not last the last few months of school. You begin to just not really care how you look and you'd rather spend your days in a t-shirt and shorts or in sweats than look nice. Oh, and straightening your hair? That's a thing in the past. Natural hair and pony-tails are your new best friend.
Reality #14: That rushing feeling of finishing your exams brings you so much joy, but also confusion. You are so excited that the year is over and that you will have a nice, relaxing break over summer. But, what are you supposed to do without your friends for three months? And how is the year already over? It's insane how fast the time will fly by.
Reality #15: When the semester comes to a close, you're sad to leave your friends, but you find that your school work is easy to let go of. Summer has begun, and you can't wait to let your hair down and relax for the next three months.
