As I sit here taking a study break from writing my German essay, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by the never-ending amount of homework I still need to do. With the high expectations that universities place on college students today, it seems as though success is nowhere in sight.
The pressure to do well is so consuming that I find a lot of students trapped in their day-to-day schedules without taking a moment to breathe. That being said, there is still so much that we can appreciate in the college world surrounding us. Now that Valentine’s Day, a day for appreciating others, is far behind us, I think it is appropriate to continue the “appreciation” trend and take a moment to appreciate the part of our lives that we are in right now.
Though we all know that being a freshman is much different than being a senior, this age in our lives is one that we cannot take for granted. Regardless of our major, Greek house, or year in school, we’re all at an age of opportunity and growth. It’s a time to build relationships with people that have similar interests, explore career options, and decide where life is going to take us. Although I can think of an endless amount of reasons why to appreciate this time in our lives, I’ve limited it to just three.
1. An age of exploration
Someone once told me that being a college student is weird because, technically, we’re all adults but we aren’t entirely “grown up.” But isn’t that the point? We are at an age where we can try out new things and make mistakes without judgment. It is okay to not have everything figured out. There is no need to fret about the future right now. Focusing on enjoying life and succeeding in small ways (getting an A on that paper or volunteering at the animal shelter) is 100% acceptable. This is a time to explore everything that life has to offer.
2. An age of finding yourself
When else do you have the opportunity to be 100% on your own with nothing holding you back? There is no better opportunity to learn about oneself than in a college atmosphere. Being thrown into new situations each and every day is such a learning experience. It is sometimes overwhelming and it may seem like a crazy roller coaster at times, but I have learned that it is all about enjoying the ride.
3. An age of finding friendships that last a lifetime
Being in the Greek community, we all have the opportunity to be a part of the brotherhoods and sisterhoods that make being in a Greek house different than every other student group. It’s something that we shouldn’t take for granted. We are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by other driven people with similar interests everyday. At this age in our lives and in this college atmosphere, we have the chance to choose whom we connect with and create lifelong friendships.
With paper deadlines and exams right around the corner, it can be difficult to see the point to all of this. School and learning is important, but so is the experience. The pressure that college places on each one of us may seem crushing at times, but it is so important to stop and appreciate the meaningful moments and opportunities that come along with it. Enjoy this time; it only happens once.
