College is tough.
No one can really deny it. The daily grind most college students experience is overwhelming, stressful, and completely exhausting. Homework assignments are dreadful. A 10-page paper seems ridiculous. Taking the bus to campus is an inconvenience. You get the point.
We're really comfortable in our bubbles. The life of a college student is a unique one, but we frequently, without really noticing, take it for granted. We tend to lose sight of what's really "tough." We start to believe that the obstacles we face daily are truly tough situations. This isn't to say that our problems aren't important and that the decisions we're expected to make aren't tough, but we chose this life.
Some people don't get to choose their life.
This Thanksgiving, and every day after that, I challenge every college student to stop complaining about these 15 things and start being thankful for them instead.
1. The Dining Hall.
We all know that most D-Halls arent the best, and many of us choose to buy groceries or visit local restaurants. But, if we're ever in a bind, we know we can eat there whenever we please. We have that security.
There are many people who aren't nearly as fortunate.
2. Sleeping in a Twin XL bed.
At first, it may be an adjustment.
But there are people in this world who would kill for a bed half the size.
3. Having to walk to class.
Some people would love to be able to walk again.
4. Town/city transportation.
For us, it usually gets us to class, to campus, or to an event when driving our own cars isn't an option.
For others, it's their only source of transportation.
5. Having too much homework.
Trust me when I say that there are people in this world who would kill to be getting a college education.
There are even more people who wish turning in a math quiz was their only problem.
6. Having to take General Education courses.
The literacy rates throughout the world are surprisingly low. The knowledge of basic historical events is scarce. Taking these general education courses may seem like a burden, but quite a few people in this world would love to be as informed and as well-rounded as we are.
7. Getting too many calls from your mom.
There are so many people who would love to hear from their mom; to know that someone cares.
8. Small dorm rooms/apartments.
It may be small, but it's something.
A homeless person would kill for a few feet of your "small" living space.
9. Parking.
At least you have a car.
10. Internet issues.
At least you have a computer and phone.
11. Being able to spend money whenever you have to.
For us, if we needed to get gas or grab a few groceries, 90% of the time we could.
For others, scrounging for quarters and pennies is the only way they get by.
12. The gym being too crowded or "not good enough."
Some people desperately need to get to the gym and get healthy.
But gym memberships cost money.
13. Trash chutes and dumpsters.
At least your trash isn't building up in your bed, in your sink, or in your backyard like many third-world countries.
14. Spending too much time in the library.
It can be exhausting, but many people would love to have the opportunity to sit in comfortable chairs, read book after book, and have access to hundreds of resources.
15. Being in college.
It's an opportunity so many people weren't afforded.
College is tough.
But, we have a lot to be thankful for.
