“I’m so busy, I can't!”
If I had a share for every time I said this, I would be Odyssey famous. I am so guilty of getting incredibly caught up in my day-to-day college life. It wasn’t until I came to college that I realized how many things you had to do as a college student: write papers, study for tests, attend meetings, tutor, mentor, cook dinner, clean, work out, have a social life, call my parents, talk to my friends from home, keep everybody in my life happy and the list could go on forever. (I realize this is easily compared to real life, but still more than the usual high school student deals with.)
By the time I got through my list of things to do, I would be exhausted. I would constantly make lists, complain to my friends, and miss out on things because I was “busy.” Every single day, I reminded myself to just get through the day, the week, the month and then, finally, live your life. I was pushing away days, weeks, months, and even two years of my college career because I wanted to just get through, make it out, move on. Never did it cross my mind that I wouldn’t wake up the next day, and I never stopped to reflect on how great life was. I didn’t realize the opportunities and possibilities that were within my reach by attending a university. Worst of all, I didn’t realize that I had the most supportive family and friends who were constantly checking up on me and telling me they loved and supported everything I did. Instead, I pushed all of these positive things in my life away because I had things to do, places to be, and tests to study for. I got so caught up in looking forward to weekends or special events that I forgot the most important thing in life: to live every day for what it is. I know what you're thinking: wow this girl is so cliché! But I'm serious. This might be the most basic thing you’ve ever heard, but it is so true. The moment I decided to live every day for itself, I found myself so much happier and more appreciative of the people in my life and my surroundings. Instead of making lists, I decided to go with the flow, and get things done without obnoxiously writing the same thing over and over again. Instead of complaining to my friends about the things I had to do, I decided to take matters into my own hands by changing my major and getting involved in things I cared about. Instead of missing out on things (well, I still miss out on some things), I decided to make time for those Girls Night Out and sushi dates that I used to think were a waste of time.
By doing all of these things, I became so happy and grateful for my life. I remembered how great it was that I was a college student with a supportive backbone and that keeps me about as sane as I can be (Shout out to you all—I love you more than crunch wraps). So, if I could give anybody starting college a piece of advice, it would be Carpe Diem. Go out when you're too busy and eat that late pizza. Before you know it, it’ll all be over.
