As someone who did not have much of a social life in high school, coming to college was a bit of an adjustment. For once, I was not living off a class schedule of 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., going to dance rehearsal until 9 p.m., and ending the night with homework and studying. I now have the freedom of my own time management and creating my own schedule each semester.

With that comes the ability to make my own decisions and the choice of how to spend my time. Each semester is different and each individual varies on how they spend their time. Although it is not always done correctly, there is the possibility to work hard and play hard. It is not always easy to find the balance but my friends and I have found the perfect combination of being a social butterfly AND being a responsible college student remaining focused on education.

It bothers me when people are looked at poorly for finding time to enjoy themselves. Now, I am not saying I believe in partying 24/7 and ONLY having a good time, but I AM saying you can do it 15/4.

To be mentally healthy, one does need to close a book, and I have definitely found the time/effort to make that a part of my routine. It's OK to have college kid fun. As long as everyone is being safe and not jeopardizing their future (don't worry mom and dad, you raised a sensible one) there really is no issue with enjoying yourself.

College is a time when you are allowed to have some fun. I have learned from my parents that it creates more interesting dinner conversation if you have some good nights out every so often. New students can come into college slightly anxious about time management and a healthy lifestyle. Although they aren't always successful in that first semester, with a 95% job placement rate out of graduating I would say K-State students do a fairly good job at figuring out how to create a healthy and successful life.

Yes, I am a student who has embraced a life with partying, BUT I have also found the study life filled with notecards, highlighters, and books. I think there is a negative look on kids who go out or spend their Friday or Saturday night not looking at a textbook or studying rigorously for their test on the following Monday or Tuesday. Even if the frat or house parties aren't your thing, going to a late night restaurant, the movie theatre or just a spontaneous drive somewhere is more exciting than memorizing how to close an income statement or trying to solve an impossible calculus question.

Get out and about. Explore. Make yourself someone interesting and not just a GPA on a resume.