College is about learning. We go to class to learn things and we use what we learn to get our degrees. However, the more comfortable we get in college, the more friends we make, and the more things we have to do the less we want to go to our classes. Hanging out with our friends in our dorm rooms or the school cafe sounds like way more fun than sitting in class listening to a lecture about United States history. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy and convince ourselves to do what seems like fun but it's actually the worst thing for us.
In college, missing one class can be equivalent to missing a whole week. College courses are packed with information to learn and just one 50-minute class covers a ton of important information. Missing one class, though it may seem unimportant and like it won't effect you, it actually probably will.
Now, I don't know about you, but once I miss one class I tend to like the feeling of having nothing to do. I also tend to get used to that feeling and the usually leads to more missed classes. It's a domino affect, especially if I start getting behind on my work. I start getting anxious that I don't know what's going on and I'm too shy to ask the professor, so my old way of thinking was to either "fake it 'til I make it" or "just don't do it". You can probably see where my downfall started. "Fake it 'til I make it" or "just don't do it" doesn't fly in college. Ever. If you don;t understand something you're behind on, just ask the professor! They are there to help you and they want to help you! Trust me, they want you to do well. If you're not comfortable asking the professor, ask a classmate. It may be awkward, but nobody will judge you. You're all in the same boat learning the same things. It's better to ask and get the answers right then to fail your assignment!
College can get overwhelming really fast. Hanging out with your friends and having some downtime is essential, but you need to know when enough is enough. You're with those friends in those dorms because you're in college, not because you're all hanging out in some random building for fun. Classes come first. Try your best not to get behind. I found that day planners are really helpful, not only to keep assignment due dates straight, but also to track meetings and events. Organization is key!
So... go out, have fun, live your life to the fullest! Just remember why you are where you are. Go to class, do your work, and study hard. Trust me, it will all pay off in the end.
