Life never gets easier or less busy. In the time-span of four years at college, somehow we are expected to fulfill a list of to-do’s during this “Right of Passage.”

We need to be full-time students as well as be involved on and off campus doing extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer positions, jobs, and internships. This is a time to build up your resume for job applications, but every job requires experience. You are expected to pay off debts as soon as you graduate, but no one is hiring. You are required to know exactly what it is that you want to do for the next 50 years of your life as soon as you legally become an adult. Be independent from your parents because you’re an adult, but rely on them because high school never taught you how to be an adult.

We must be fully invested in our studies, as well as make deep, long-lasting friendships. We need to broaden our minds in preparation for the narrow-minded workforce we all inevitably end up in. This is our time to explore what the world has to offer during study abroad semesters, but also not forget to visit home and see family and friends during breaks. We are have to maintain old friendships while creating new ones. We're always told to enjoy this stage of life and adventure, but also balance a dozen responsibilities. Be spontaneous because you will never have this freedom again, but plan out your life because you need a career path now. Everything costs money that we don’t have. It’s okay to make mistakes because you are learning, but don’t make that mistake because it will ruin your life. We have to take care of our health with diet, exercise, and rest, but pull this all-nighter to finish all that you have been assigned, which is due tomorrow. Be a night-owl to write papers and study for exams, but be a morning-person because that is how the real world operates. Also, don’t become an alcoholic or coffee-addict, neither is good for your health which you should be prioritizing.

This is the prime of your life – the peak of your existence – don’t let it pass you by, take advantage of every opportunity given you.

Excuse me if I am frazzled, stressed, overwhelmed, or overdone. While all of the things listed above are important in our work-world, there is no possible way for you to do all of them and do them all equally well. This week I added on another job to my balancing act – now, I am at 15 units, 3 jobs, and an internship, involvement in a couple of clubs and ministries, as well as attempting to deepen relationships and build community.

This article is at the very least a reminder to myself and at the most able to voice the feelings of or reassure other students that YOU (yes, you) DO NOT HAVE TO AND CANNOT ACTUALLY DO EVERYTHING.

You are bombarded with so many expectations and this will unfortunately never be the end of it. At every stage of your life with every decision you make society will tell you what you must do and that you must be the best at it. If you are not, then someone else will be and they will get the job – not you.

“Never underestimate what a difference you could make or what you could do. I've seen other people at every stage, with everything I've done, who are smarter and better than I am, and that hasn't deterred me. Don't limit yourself or limit your expectations because if you want to make a difference, if you want to change the world, it's all there.” -Phil Collins

You cannot do everything. It is impossible. You will burn yourself out. You will have countless breakdowns. You will need many hugs, crying sessions, Netflix binges, and plenty of dark chocolate (or insert your personal comfort food). Sometimes you will have to say “no” to good things. Sometimes the F.O.M.O. (Fear Of Missing Out) will come to actuality and you will miss out. If you need to do anything it is this: prioritize time to yourself away from the busyness. Just stop, clear your mind, and take deep breaths. Do something you love. Go pet some puppies, bake cookies, or watch a sunset. Pencil that in to your agenda. It is more important, more fulfilling, and more rewarding for sanity’s sake.

All you can do is the best that you are able to at whatever task you are accomplishing. Not everything will be flawless and not everything will be able to come to completion. Not everything is dire or vital to your existence. You will survive if you don’t do that one thing and your future career-life will not suffer to the point of failure if you do not. Decide what is really necessary and what is not. In our workaholic and busyness-worshiping culture, too many demands are placed on people; just normal and fallible humans.

I know that I will constantly need this reminder not just today or tomorrow, but pretty much for the span of my life as this is not just applicable for college students. The demands change at different stages of life but they are just as present as they are for us now.