"This Workload Is Insane"

It goes without saying that college students have a lot on their plates academically. Many students are double (or even triple) majors, while some have an additional minor. Moreover, there are still others are in a pre-professional program. Most of us are taking 15-18 credits a semester, leading to deadlines that we have to meet on a daily basis. Quiz/test preparation, homework, in-class assignments, essays, the list goes on.

We have to keep grades and GPAs at a certain level in order to progress through our programs and eventually graduate. There's a lot happening at any given moment, and there's rarely a relaxing moment.

"Do I Have (Insert Club/Activity, etc) Today?"

On top of our academic responsibilities, most college students are involved in on-campus clubs, organizations, and social groups. Many students also have a part-time job (or are looking for one). Time management is key here, but even the most organized person in the world is feeling the heat right about now.

On top of school, I write for Odyssey, fulfill my role as secretary for a club on campus, attend social and academic events for my Chinese major, and am looking for on-campus work.

"Am I Sick?"

It can happen in a moment. One day, you feel fine. The next morning, you have a slight headache, a sore throat, and other symptoms of a cold. It's off to CVS for you, buying cough drops and the like. Make sure you have headache meds, plenty of tissues, and plenty of hand sanitizer.

Remember that it's OK to take a day off for health reasons, and GET YOUR FLU SHOTS, people!!

How Much Caffeine Have I Had Today?

When you're a college student, caffeine is your closest friend. Coffee, Monster, Red Bull, you name it. Eventually, you lose track of how much you've taken in and hope that you don't collapse once the energy leaves your body. Most public buildings have soda machines, and there is coffee available at the coffee shops and cafeterias on campus. Trust me, when you're at the library past midnight for the third night in a row, you'll be grateful to have a pick-me-up.

Where Are My Friends? I Need Them.

Allow me to elaborate. I'm not saying that you'll never see your friends after the first week of college. What I mean is, everyone's so busy that it will feel like a long time since you've hung out together. Most of the time, you and your friends/classmates are preoccupied for one of the many reasons listed above. When you guys DO have time to spend time together, so much of what happens is catching up and talking about what has happened in their school lives.

Remember to savor your time with friends. My friends are the people that keep me grounded when I start to feel overwhelmed. Even a simple check-in from someone else can provide a sense of relief.

This Will All Be Worth It One Day

Even through all the stress I've dealt with so far, I continue to work hard, and for one reason: I know it's worthwhile. College is the gateway to adulthood, and the foundation we build here will give us the jumpstart we need for our future. My message to everyone:

I know you're stressed. I know it may seem impossible. But you can do it. You wouldn't have made it this far if you weren't capable. No matter what, continue working hard, and you'll see the results.

Best of luck with the semester!