According to Webster’s Dictionary, balance is “the state of having your weight spread equally so that you do not fall.” When it comes to balancing a diet by limiting yourself to a cookie a day, I don’t have balance. When it comes to balancing a good night’s sleep and studying for an exam the next morning, I don’t have balance. When it comes to balancing a social life with classes, I don’t have balance. When it comes to standing on one foot, I have balance.
As talented as it is (kinda), I highly doubt standing on one foot will help me get through college. The number one question that I have been asked while here at Baylor is “what’s been the hardest thing for you so far?” Can you guess what my answer was? “Finding balance.” Now I’m not writing this to provide you with solutions to help you find that balance in college, because the majority of the time, I have no idea what I’m doing either. I’m writing this to say: you’re not alone if you feel like you’re about to topple over at any moment.
There are so many factors that come into play while experiencing life in college. Having weekly movie nights with friends, engorging yourself on at least 7 cookies in one sitting from Memorial dining hall, actually going to class, doing homework, reading for classes, and studying for exams makes for a stressful life, if I do say so myself.
The only things I can think of that would count as advice would be:
A. Skip class and mark classes off your list of things to do.
But this choice is probably one that is frowned upon by our parents since they are more than likely paying for college. In addition, this choice shouldn’t be your go to because points for your overall grade in classes will be deducted if you lack in attendance.
B) Keep pushing
Compared to choice A, this one seems to be the one I would choose. It’s difficult, and scary, and unknown, but if you read last week’s article, you would know that the Lord tells us not to be afraid in times of adversity. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but are you actually putting forth an effort to not be stressed, or sleep deprived, or be behind in classes?
Ultimately it all comes down to how you prioritize. I struggle with this just as much as any other freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in college. Just remember, though, (if you’re a freshman) that there are 3,499 of your classmates who are feeling the exact same way. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
