Recently I traveled to Atlanta for training as a Coca Cola Ambassador. I met incredible individuals from across the nation who had started their own companies, were guaranteed a job after graduation and were overall inspiring people. I felt so disappointed in myself for being so under accomplished in comparison to these people around me.
On the way back to Idaho, I encountered a French couple who asked why I was wearing so much Coca Cola apparel. When I explained the situation, they awed over how impressive it was for me to land such a position. They asked more about my life and I told them everything about my college experience. To my surprise, they were absolutely blown away by how much I had tackled on, and how much I had accomplished at such a young age. I spent the rest of my flight thinking about how college students are stuck feeling under accomplished, but still overwhelmed by all of their responsibilities. I know I'm not alone in my sentiments, so here are a few reminders!
It's okay to not have everything figured out.
For whatever reason, college students are told that we are supposed to have a plan at all times. What we want to do during college, what major is best for us, what job we will get afterwards, if we want to attend grad school, and so on. However, from what I've experienced and seen, regardless of how well thought out a plan may be, things happen and plans change. Life has a funny way of working out the way it's supposed to, even if this means doing something you would have never thought about doing. It doesn't matter if you can't see two years into the future, just take it day by day. Ignore those feelings of doubt and uncertainty and just keep working towards your goals.
Your well-being is important.
In the hectic mess of college, don't forget to take care of yourself. At the end of the day, your mental and physical health is priority. Be aware of pushing yourself too much and driving yourself into a state of absolute exhaustion. Of course college is being tired and zombie mode most the time, but do not neglect your health. Learn to say no to things. Make time to eat and get plenty of sleep.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
I struggle with this far too often than I like to admit. Regardless of how under accomplished you may feel to those who surround you, it's important to remember that no college experience will ever be identical. Regardless of what your peers are doing, focus on what YOU are doing. Focus on your own goals and aspirations. You can celebrate your friends accomplishments, but don't spend too much time beating yourself up for not doing as much or the same things they are. This leads me to my next point..
Give yourself some credit.
Once in a while, take a step back and look back on what you've accomplished and how far along you've come since graduating high school. It's amazing how much you will grow over the course of your college career. Sometimes, you'll end up realizing how completely different you are from your high school self and feel proud of how much progress you've made towards being the best version of yourself.
Grades don't define you (completely).
As important as academics may be in college, having a 4.0 doesn't automatically make you an exceptional college student. It's okay if you fail a test. It's okay if you go from being an high school honor student, to struggling getting a C in college. Your GPA doesn't reflect your character or goodwill. More importantly, it's been established that employers will take students who were more involved, have more leadership skills and experience who have lower GPA's, over students who have a 4.0, but weren't involved and have no experience whatsoever. This doesn't mean neglect your studies, but do not let your GPA be your sole indicator of success.
See everything as an opportunity.
At some point, you will experience rejection from something you truly wanted. As discouraging and disappointing as it may be, don't let this stop you from pursuing other opportunities. As I mentioned earlier, life has a funny way of working out and leading you to experiences you may have never thought about. Learn from that rejection and make it a goal to be better. Make friends everywhere you go and build your network. The phrase, "it's not what you know, but who you know" is true to a certain point. Opportunities in college are endless, all you have to do is say yes.
HAVE FUN!
College is a temporary experience. As much as it may seem to drag on, at some point, you WILL have to leave and the real adult-ing begins. Between classes, clubs, internships, and jobs, don't forget to prioritize making these years the best they can be. Sure, the point of college is to get a degree, but I can guarantee you that won't you tell your friends ten years from now how long your paper for ENG 337 was, or how many textbooks you read for ANTH 409. Get out there and make those memories of a lifetime.
So please, take a breath, enjoy the moment and remember: you're doing okay.
