Don't Do EVERYTHING for College
Start writing a post
Sports

Don't Do EVERYTHING for College

It's important, but it's not everything.

27
Don't Do EVERYTHING for College
WVUA 23

My mom came to the US from Mexico, working her way through school and work to eventually move to the states. As I grew up, she was always highlighting the importance of learning, because after all it was what got her to where she was. I fell in love with reading and math, specifically, working hard at them and eventually establishing myself as the family smart kid. When I got into high school, the importance of studying became an everyday subject in conversation. Any mention of school near her or her family warranted something along the lines of "you're smart, keep that up because the only thing you have forever is your knowledge. It's only about college now."

So, like most people my age, I try to get good grades. But, thanks to a whole lot of procrastination and constant pushing of the limits to see whether or not I actually need to do that homework to get by, good grades don't always work out. I do my best to cover that by trying do well in clubs and teams, and consider how anything I do outside of school-related events may look on a college resume. I super-commit to anything and everything I can because I'm worried that if I don't have enough under my belt, colleges won't let me in alone off my grades and test scores.

Normal fears, normal reasons to be in things.

Currently, it's the summer right before junior year, and I subconsciously decided to take a quick break right before getting into the thick of standardized tests and college apps. A breather from whatever summer clubs or camps or volunteer work I probably could be doing, to realize that I actually like doing other things.

I've started getting back into reading, exercising, socializing, new music, tarot reading (for some reason), swim team, etc. It took me a moment in time of relaxation and free choices to remind myself that I'm still a human person, not a living, breathing college application.

I'm not going to sit back and say that doing everything for college is bad, because to me, it's a no-brainer that you should try hard in school to squeeze the most success out of your future as possible. But what I've realized, and what I hope you, reader, can realize is that life is meant to be enjoyable.

I'm speaking to high school students here. And no, not the ones who genuinely enjoy schoolwork and the activities they are in, they can carry on being happy with the grind if that's what makes them happy. I mean the ones who feel emotionally worn out from constantly worrying they aren't doing enough, and not knowing how to fix that issue.

Success is important, and yeah the "grind don't stop," but nothing you ever do, no amount of success you ever have, will ever matter to you if you continue to live in a way that dedicates you to something you don't even feel good enough for (which you probably are, by the way).

You have to do things for yourself sometimes. You have to ride your bike through your neighborhood at 7 o'clock sometimes, you have to go see concerts sometimes, you have to learn something new that is not a college major or career sometimes.

I mean, obviously.

Because otherwise you are just algebra III and AP English, not a real life human. You will start to tear your hair out over grades that aren't all 100%'s, and become the physical manifestation of school and only school.

Keep working hard, but do remember, you should be committed to yourself the same way you commit to clubs number 1, 2, and 3.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

938110
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

114980
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

93288
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments