Now being two weeks into my sophomore year, I have felt like finding your path can only happen by making changes yourself. College is what you make it, academically and socially. Here’s a few thoughts that I have to share, and many might find it easy to agree…

1. How am I going to graduate in four years? Every incoming freshman thinks, I’m not going to be that “super senior” with five or six years of a college education. Now into my sophomore year, being on the wait list every semester, trying to get into impacted majors, many college students soon realize how difficult it can actually be to graduate “on time.” It’s alright if it’s going to take a little longer, for many people it does, especially in the state school system.
2. What can I eliminate to reduce my stress? I recently have made a few decisions regarding my social life that will hopefully give me more time to study, read, and hopefully get an internship. Once you get over that “going out” phase, you will soon realize what you need to get done, and how you’ll need to do it. Think about what you are involved in and how you can make the best use of your time.
3. What am I going to eat? This year without a meal plan, I’m cooking for myself, along with most sophomores and older. This is the beginning of smart shopping when it comes to the grocery store. It’s also the start of finding recipes that work for you, and choosing what you eat. I personally love to cook and bake, and as a college student it is important to learn how to cook for yourself as an adult, so you can one day cook for your family.
4. When do I sleep? It can be difficult between classes, homework, studying, and possibly a job if you have one, (or two) to find the time to get a good night’s sleep. It can be stressful as you soon realize how much you have on your plate and need to accomplish each week, but that’s how you learn about time management.

The message I am trying to send is that it takes time for people to mature and figure out what it truly is they want to do as a career. It will take some longer than others. Once you find what that is, it is up to you as an adult to figure out what steps you need to take to accomplish your goals.