Charles Dickens' tale, "A Christmas Carol," is no doubt a classic during the holiday season, yet it’s easy to overlook the valuable life lessons within its plot.

As college students, we are embarking on a new phase in our lives. We are young, and it’s possible to make mistakes.

“A Christmas Carol” portrays situations that all college students can learn from so that we don’t end up like Scrooge.

1. Money does not buy happiness.

Money can only provide temporary satisfaction. It can’t buy you friends, family, love or happiness. Money can’t fill the emptiness in you.

Scrooge placed money high above everything else for most of his life. This made him bitter and lonely. Don’t let money control your life.

2. Balance your personal life and work.

Your job shouldn’t make you drive people away. Your career is just as important as having a life outside of it. Spending time with friends and family should be a priority.

Scrooge was a greedy workaholic. He didn’t make time for anyone else. Keep your priorities in check so you can have time for yourself and others.

3. Don't push away the ones who love you.

Scrooge pushed away many people during his life. He closed himself off from the woman who loved him and wanted to marry him. He also refused to be close with his nephew.

It's important to let the people who love and care for you into your life. Pushing people away will only make you lonely.

4. Your actions impact others.

Every action you take affects not only you but someone else in the long run. Scrooge chose to pay Bob Cratchit sparingly, forcing the Cratchit family to survive and care for their ill son on little means. Scrooge’s actions almost caused the death of Tiny Tim.

Be mindful of your behavior, and think of others. Your choices can hurt someone.

5. Only you have the power to change your life.

You might not be visited by three ghosts like Scrooge was, but when it comes down to it, you have to make your mind up. You are the only person who can turn your life around.

Friends and family can beg you to change, but it is your life, no one else’s. If you want to be a better person, do something about it. It is never too late to change.

6. It's OK to be afraid of the future.

The ghost of Christmas Future brought out the inner fears Scrooge had. This ultimately led him to realize he needed to change.

Fearing the unknown and acknowledging the uncertainty of what’s to come can be a good thing. It can force us to examine where we are in life.

There is nothing wrong with being afraid of what will happen next. A little fear can be a good wake up call.

7. Asking for forgiveness doesn’t make you weak.

You should not be ashamed to ask for forgiveness – it shows maturity and strength. It also tells people you want to change.

Scrooge hurt many people during his life because he was stingy and bitter. In order to change, he asked for forgiveness from those he wronged. This act of strength led him to become a better person.