While preparing for college four years ago, I was only half enthusiastic. This was because I did not care much about getting a secular degree in the first place. I wanted to study religion abroad (preferably in the Middle East), but instead I was making my way to community college.

So, naturally, I had one goal in mind: to get my degree and get out. I did not care about making new friends, joining student organizations or being involved in any extracurricular activities in any capacity. Little did I know that my decision would make me miserable for the next three years.

First, I was dragging myself through college, going to classes and coming home feeling like I wasn’t learning anything, and maybe I wasn’t, because I had constricted myself. I dreaded going to classes, and I viewed my workload as a burden and not as a learning opportunity. My pessimism did not allow me to learn properly.

A few semesters later, when I became used to the routine, I started to like my classes just a little bit, but I still hadn’t allowed myself to become social or get involved in student organizations, so I was mostly alone. See, I thought I was being efficient -- focusing my energies on my grades and what “mattered.” Because who wanted to be in all these stupid clubs anyway?

By the time I was finishing up, my sophomore year, I was ready for a change. Thank God I was finally transferring to a university. But then again, I didn't immediately take advantage of the new opportunities I now had for involvement. I was worried about the immense amounts of credits I would have to take in order to graduate on time.

I was stressed and overwhelmed when I had little reason to be. I could have studied with friends, but I chose to do it alone. I could have gone to different campus-wide events, but I limited myself.

By the end of my junior year, I was depressed. I was doing well in my classes and my coursework was on track, but I had never felt so lonely. Whenever friends would ask me how I was doing, I'd say "fine," but it was so hard to just keep going. My motivation was gone and I felt like I was just making it because I had to. I couldn't wait to graduate, I just wanted time to go faster so I could move on with my life. If I could have fast-forwarded the semesters, I would have.

But then I started to reflect on my attitude. And I decided enough was enough. Even though I had been miserable for the first three years of undergrad, I decided to make the most of my senior year. Positive thinking never hurt anyone!

I started to look for campus-wide programs that would help me pursue my interests. I started volunteering with student clubs, and taking weekly workshops on leadership, a topic that had interested me for quite some time. I surrounded myself with like-minded people and I learned so much. I grew as a person, and I realized that I have so much potential that I can make use of.

Making the most of your college years does not just mean to become a social butterfly, party all night, and go on expensive excursions around the world in study-abroad programs.

It means opening your mind to new experiences and allowing yourself to learn and grow in different ways with different people, and to be optimistic regardless of your initial reservations.

Here’s a list of things you can do to make the most of your college experience, even if you don’t live on campus or can’t afford a trip abroad:

• Take a completely random class unrelated to your major.
• Participate in your university’s International Week and learn about other cultures.
• Join a student club that you know nothing about.
• Attend off-campus events such as poetry readings.
• Take classes or workshops offered by your department or by other student organizations.
• Be with people! Just surround yourself with good company and you will be happier and more productive as a result.

So why should you care about making the most of your college years anyway? What's the big deal?

Let me tell you. College is the place for opportunities. There are so many things to do, more than half of which you are not even aware of. Do your research and go pursue them! Because if you don't, you will regret it.

If you are like most of us, it cost you an arm and a leg to go to college and get your degree. After all the hard work, sweat and tears, you wanna be pocketing a lot more than just your credentials. Your college experience will never come back, so make the most of it.

If you have anxiety or depression, make use of the campus counseling services and get yourself in good health. If you are feeling better, you are more likely to pursue the things that interest you and make you happy. Although I look back at my undergrad years and regret the time I wasted sulking, I also have an entire year full of positive experiences that I can remember and honestly, I miss it so much!

When in college, do not just go through the motions; revel in the time you spend there.