Being in college has had its fair share of ups and downs. I have had moments where I have laid down in my bed and wondered what the point of everything was. I have wasted my precious time on people who were cruel, but I have also spent it with some of the best people who have defined my life significantly. I have had my share of mistakes and successes, and there are still more to come. Life is unpredictable and goes by pretty quickly, but it does not have to feel short. If you hold onto the memories that you have made live life according to your own terms, your life will seem infinite

1. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be YOU

There will be people who try to hold you back from what you want, even if they do it because they think they know what is best for you. There are people out there who will fake their way throughout your friendship and never be genuine with you. Don’t waste your time with people who only bring you down and make you question who you know you truly are. This applies to friendships, romantic relationships, blood-relatives, and co-workers. While everyone has to deal with negative people all of the time, be independent of their influence and find others who encourage you to be your true self.

2. Stand up for what you believe in

With all of the social issues rising nowadays, it is imperative to speak your mind. With all of the injustice in the world, it is up to everyone to spread the knowledge and be open-minded to varying perspectives. This can be done in a multitude of ways, whether it is sharing interesting articles on Facebook, attending talks and speeches, reading books you normally wouldn’t, participating in discussions, and just talking to someone who might share a different view. It gives you the chance to learn from others as well as educate those who might be ignorant of a certain viewpoint.

3. Do what you love

Life should be spent doing the things that you want to do. Plain and simple. There are so many influences, whether it is parents, teachers, friends, or personal expectations, that can often discourage you from doing the things you love. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to ignore these influences, but doing what you love is beautiful and healing. It gives you purpose and paints life with your own colors.

4. Give yourself some alone time

Life is busy. It seems that everyone around me has jam-packed schedules and even “downtime” is spent doing assignments, essays, and studying. While all of this is important and having things to do (as I just said in number three) is wonderful, sometimes it is important to have alone time. Simple, uninterrupted alone time. Alone time can equate to so many things like taking a nap, going for a walk or bike ride, reading that book that has been collecting dust in your desk drawer, listening to music, writing a story,watching movies, journaling, meditating etc. Being alone is peaceful and allows you to sit down and have a conversation with yourself about the way life is treating you and whether or not you’re truly happy.