In a competitive college environment it seems as though everyone is always busy. With academics, extracurriculars, jobs, and resume builders, there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to accommodate for all the responsibilities college students take on. Sometimes, drudging through all the tasks and projects may feel like going through the motions. One begins to wonder why it is exactly they are participating in all these activities. There are several reasons college students may choose to get involved in extracurricular activities and leadership. Some intentions may be pure and genuine, while others forget the true purpose.

The primary reason an eager college student might choose to take on an activity is for their resume, graduate school applications, and post-graduate programs. There is nothing inherently wrong with taking on roles in organizations and activities for the sake of gaining experience, which you can then showcase to future employers. In fact, most students choose their activities based on their interests and what they enjoy spending their time on. That way, they accomplish the goal of gaining skills and sprucing up their resume while also being able to commit time to projects they are passionate about and excited to put time and energy towards.

When students can consistently remind themselves of why they are in their leadership role, why they took on this commitment, or why they spend so many hours a week volunteering their time, that is when they can make a meaningful impact. Only when actions are driven by passions and clear intent rather than sheer habit can changes be made. This mindset won't just benefit the status of the project or the community they are working with. It will be a huge benefit to them. The more salient the passion, the more profound the impact.

The problem is that this is not always possible. Work piles up, poor grades start rolling in, and general exhaustion sets up shop in the mind of the busy, ambitious student. With all these worries taking up so many thoughts, passion can no longer find a place. Students who joined the honor council because of their passion and commitment to maintaining integrity at their university might start to cheat. A student who promised their mornings to tutor young elementary school students in a neighboring disadvantaged community might stop caring about the students' success and happiness. This is common, and it is completely normal to prioritize one's personal health and well-being above all else. However, it should also serve as a wake-up call to reassess current responsibilities.

This lack of passion is unfair to the students who need tutoring. It is unfair to the students who trust their university to uphold their values of integrity. It is unfair to you to keep failing on promises.

So take a step back, take a month off, and try to rekindle that passion. People will ultimately care less about what you did, and more about why you did it.