4.0 BAC vs. 4.0 GPA, What's More Important?

4.0 BAC vs. 4.0 GPA, What's More Important?

We all have a vision of what we want our college experience to be like
Erin Sweeney
Erin Sweeney Jan 15, 2017
39
views

We all hold certain expectations when entering college. Some are from the stereotypical portrayals we get from movies and TV shows and others we set for ourselves and then, of course, we have those few expectations set by our parents. No matter where they come from or what they are we all have a vision of what we want our college experience to be like and we can set the bar pretty high or low for ourselves.

1. Classroom Expectations

We all like to think that classes are going to be easier than expected and our high school study methods and habits are gonna help us breeze by these next four years just like they helped us skate by the last four.

We'll nail that 4.0 in no time without any struggle. We'll be able to share our Dean's list accomplishments on Facebook for the parents to see and be proud of. Still be able to go out and have a good time so all our friends can see we're living it up. Basically living the college dream.

Reality

Yeah well for science majors, it's not so easy and for those that do get that 4.0 and make Dean's list without any struggle and still maintain a perfectly balanced social life, workout, and have time to decompress, my hat goes off to you.

But for those whose college reality hits hard, it's not the end of the world that you don't start off your first semester perfectly because no one does. You're still figuring it out and that's okay. We all are.

2. Social Expectations

Frat houses, sports team parties, clubs, bars, hot bodysuits and heels. Crowds of friends hung around you with that perfect half dazed smile in order to share the perfect party pic on Insta so everyone can know just how cool you are. Going to Project X type parties with people jumping from stairs onto tables with the 40 second keg stands and all. You are living the college life and you want everyone to know it.

You want to be best friends with every frat, every sports team, have the biggest group of friends on campus, you want everyone to know your name. You want the comfort and size of your high school friend group within the time period of three months.

Reality

I may be the bearer of bad news but you're not going to have the perfect social life within your first semester. College is not always like the movies with you swinging from a chandelier in a frat house with everyone chanting your name. I've never seen that happen in real life, just saying.

It's okay to stay in a few weekends and have some time to yourself. It's okay to remember the night before and not have any funny or hot pictures to post just to make it look like you have an ideal social life. Forget social media and the need to have a friend group the size of Texas because you will find your truest friends in groups of 4's, 5's, 6's, even 2's.

It doesn't matter the size, surround yourself with quality people and your college experience will be the best you can imagine. Go out and have the time of your life with your new friends for life, dance on tables, shotgun a few, but don't feel the need to post your every move to make yourself feel like you have it all.

3. Workout Expectations

We all want to beat the freshman 15. We all make it our goal for college to be the time of a new "us." We're gonna basically be pro body builders by the time we finish first semester complete with a set of abs and quads and glutes of steel.

Reality

Then we realize all the amazing food at Linda's at 1 a.m. and suddenly that goal seems further and further away and the muffin top becomes more real and real. We all do it. We all get caught up in the good food and good times with our friends. And it's 100 percent okay.

That's why there are spin classes and kickboxing to work off those mac n cheese bites with your girls. Take the funny memories and the bad ones and use them as motivation to get those buns of steel and never feel bad for treating yourself.

4. Parent Expectations

I don't know about a lot of you, but my parents tell me all the time the only thing they expect is for me to "do my best." It's pretty simple if you ask me, but for some reason in my little mind I feel like I have the entire world on my shoulders and I have to do everything in my power to prove to them that I'm the best thing to ever happen to them.

Get involved in every club, hold a position in everything I do, have professors tell me how amazing I am and to pass it on to my parents, get the best grades possible, etc. Make sure I have encouraging Facebook posts so they know I'm doing okay.

Reality

But honestly the only thing most parents want for their college kid is to not get arrested, not fail out, and just do the best they can. So you may be freaking out about your parents wanting to kill you, but as long as you're putting in some effort they're not gonna be mad.

We're all on our own for the first time without them basically swimming in the open ocean without a life preserver so they'll be happy if, in the wise words of Dori, we just keep swimming.

So don't stress buttercup. Your life doesn't need to be a movie. Wake up in the morning and be thankful for the people in your life, your health, and the good things you're surrounded by whether you notice them or not. You got it pretty good even if you may not always feel like it.

College doesn't need to be like a hit reality TV show for you to be happy and enjoy yourself. Be you and be awesome.

Cover Image Credit: http://www.uloop.com/news/view.php/174811/How-To-Host-Your-First-College-Party-In-Your-Apartment
Erin Sweeney
Erin Sweeney Jan 15, 2017
At Sacred Heart University

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If You've Ever Been Called Overly-Emotional Or Too Sensitive, This Is For You

Despite what they have told you, it's a gift.
Jennifer VerMeulen
Jennifer VerMeulen Sep 7, 2016
506209
views

Emotional: a word used often nowadays to insult someone for their sensitivity towards a multitude of things.

If you cry happy tears, you're emotional. If you express (even if it's in a healthy way) that something is bothering you, you're sensitive. If your hormones are in a funk and you just happen to be sad one day, you're emotional AND sensitive.

Let me tell you something that goes against everything people have probably ever told you. Being emotional and being sensitive are very, very good things. It's a gift. Your ability to empathize, sympathize, and sensitize yourself to your own situation and to others' situations is a true gift that many people don't possess, therefore many people do not understand.

Never let someone's negativity toward this gift of yours get you down. We are all guilty of bashing something that is unfamiliar to us: something that is different. But take pride in knowing God granted this special gift to you because He believes you will use it to make a difference someday, somehow.

This gift of yours was meant to be utilized. It would not be a part of you if you were not meant to use it. Because of this gift, you will change someone's life someday. You might be the only person that takes a little extra time to listen to someone's struggle when the rest of the world turns their backs.

In a world where a six-figure income is a significant determinant in the career someone pursues, you might be one of the few who decides to donate your time for no income at all. You might be the first friend someone thinks to call when they get good news, simply because they know you will be happy for them. You might be an incredible mother who takes too much time to nurture and raise beautiful children who will one day change the world.

To feel everything with every single part of your being is a truly wonderful thing. You love harder. You smile bigger. You feel more. What a beautiful thing! Could you imagine being the opposite of these things? Insensitive and emotionless?? Both are unhealthy, both aren't nearly as satisfying, and neither will get you anywhere worth going in life.

Imagine how much richer your life is because you love other's so hard. It might mean more heartache, but the reward is always worth the risk. Imagine how much richer your life is because you are overly appreciative of the beauty a simple sunset brings. Imagine how much richer your life is because you can be moved to tears by the lessons of someone else's story.

Embrace every part of who you are and be just that 100%. There will be people who criticize you for the size of your heart. Feel sorry for them. There are people who are dishonest. There are people who are manipulative. There are people who are downright malicious. And the one thing people say to put you down is "you feel too much." Hmm...

Sounds like more of a compliment to me. Just sayin'.

Cover Image Credit: We Heart It
Jennifer VerMeulen
Jennifer VerMeulen Sep 7, 2016
At Grand Rapids, MI

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A Few Birthday Thoughts

Goodbye teenage years, hello twenties!

Hanna Bewley
Hanna Bewley Jun 24, 2019
83
views

So, it is looking like I am about to leave my teenage years behind. I think that I want to reflect back on this time in my life and think about what I want to keep with me in my twenties and maybe some things I can let go. My teenage years have been full of love from my family and friends; hard work to make good grades in school and creating art. I developed several great friendships that I have held on to across the miles even though I went to college 14 hours away from our previous home. I am so thankful for the friendships I have made in college as well.

It seems like friends you make in your childhood and younger years can really stand the test of time. Maybe it is because when you became friends you were truly who you were. Everyone was genuine and didn't put up walls to protect themselves. You got to know someone on a deeper more personal level more quickly than if you had met later in life. I also think we laughed even more as children and that always creates good memories to look back on. So I think in my twenties I will try to hang on to the "childish" way of making friends. I will try to show my true self and will accept them for who they are, and we will laugh....a lot.

I think a good thing to let go of is always trying to make dead-end relationships work. When we were children on the playground and we tried to play a game together or jump rope and it just wasn't working, we would run off and find someone else. It was easy. It was just natural. Now sometimes I find myself trying to stay in a relationship by being overly nice, giving gifts, trying to find what pushes the persons "good" buttons. I might spend so much time trying to figure this person out that I leave out more solid relationships that are worth my time. So in my twenties, I will try to be more realistic about who to spend my time on. Some people are just never going to stand the test of time. I can continue to be cordial but won't let them rule my time and thought life.

As children, we loved our parents and siblings and would show love to them in a myriad of ways. Maybe it was hugs, pictures on the fridge, good night kisses, playing games, or just quality time spent together as a family. Starting my twenties, I am mature enough to realize the value of these people in my life. Thankfully, I have always known this. I was never the type that was embarrassed if someone saw me walking with my Mom or Dad or being dropped off in the Mom Van somewhere. I always knew these people loved me more than anyone else I was about to meet. But in my twenties, I plan to keep up with my family even when I am eight hours away from them. We are never too old to need the love of family.

As weird as it is to say goodbye to my teenage years, it's honestly helped me to soak in the precious moments of everyday life and treasure them even more. Every year when birthdays come around, it always serves as a reminder how quickly the days, months, and years fly by. I think that has been one difficult part of this birthday season. It's hard to say goodbye to the past, without a clear map of the future. But, I must remind myself that this is why growing up is a beautiful thing- as we live life and experience new things, we are better prepared for what the future may hold. Everything that I have experienced in my 20 years has served an important purpose- to make me into the person I am supposed to become. Yes, life is always changing and so am I... and change can be hard. Very hard. But one thing to remember is God is always constant. He will never change. No matter what number is on your birthday cake, He is always there...the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is the Rock that we will always be able to cling to. Isn't that a wonderful thought? Even if we don't know what's in His plans for us in the coming year, it's important to make Him a part of our plans. Rather than worry about change, let's embrace it all- the good and the bad- and look to the Lord to see how He will guide and shape us.

Teenage years- the time has come. I must say goodbye to you now. But, you will never be forgotten. I will hold your memories in my heart forever. Twenties- I am excited for all that awaits me.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Hanna Bewley
Hanna Bewley Jun 24, 2019
At Mississippi State University

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