Are there times you wish you could press "restart" on the GameCube that is your day? Times when you wish you didn't sign up for that one class, or wishing you actually studied for that one exam? As I've navigated through my collegiate career I've discovered that if you learn special tricks, the game becomes a whole lot easier. Kinda like: "Mario Kart."

I've been playing "Mario Kart" since I looked like the game's character Baby Mario. Often struggling to compete against my younger brother who is far more tech-savvy and is actually a better driver in real life, so... let's just say the contest was tough back then. But most recently I have realized that the trials and tribulations of getting a higher education parallel many "Mario Kart" adventures that I've had in the past.

Choosing Your Major

Choosing your major is like customizing your "Mario Kart" vehicle. A plethora of options is available for you, with each kart, motor bike, or ATV having specific strengths.

Want to be an English major? Great. Let's deck you out with a nice "tri-speeder" kart.
Oh, you want an emphasis in education? We can put the "blue standard" tires on that as well.

Whatever you want to focus on and think will get you the farthest in "the race" is all up to you. Now halfway into the competition you might realize that this isn't the car for you, but that's OK, because you can always go back and reorganize your vehicle configuration. Just know it might just be a little expensive, seeing as that often means you must start the race over again, on a different set of courses.

Difficult Classes

There's always one class that fits a "domain" that seems pretty interesting. "The Art of Walking" or "Tattoos in Popular America" sound incredible in the course catalogue, but once you're enrolled and struggling with the material, it's not as enticing. That's been my experience with the "Mario Kart" course: Rainbow Road. I can't tell you the amount of stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights I've experienced over Rainbow Road. Too many to count.

You're driving along, thinking, "Wow, this is so cool. I like this." And then suddenly there's a sharp turn where the professor gives a 20-page paper due tomorrow by 5 p.m. and you fall into the space-like abyss that is "out of bounds." Warn other students about that class, because it may look visually pleasing at a surface level, but it might just ruin your life (like Rainbow Road did to me.)

Your Adviser

Don't know which classes to take? What to do about that course you withdrew from earlier in the semester? Contact your adviser. They are there to help you figure out what will work best for you.

If you ever try driving backwards in "Mario Kart" this trusty little "worm in a cloud" guy will help redirect you to continue going forward. Most of the time I really appreciate his helpful guidance, because I'm often so disoriented I don't know which is the right way to drive. But there are times I just want to drive the course backwards and he just gets in my way. "Like, I understand you trying to help me and everything, but if I want to be a mess. let me be a mess."

Sometimes You Slip Up

There are going to be times when you make mistakes in college. Whether it's continuing to date that boy who cheated on you or failing that History exam because you studied the wrong chapters. Know that making mistakes is OK, as long as you learn from them.

"I will never drive behind Bowser again on any course because he seems to consistently have a full supply of banana peels, which he drops behind his vehicle at every opportunity he gets. I used to always spin out and lessen my chance of being in first place, but since I learned from my mistake I drive a safe and far distance away from Bowser's kart."
-Princess Peach

Discovering True Friends

During your four year experience-- unless you change your kart, then it's more than four-- you discover who you can truly call your friend. When you've driven on multiple courses together and ranked from 1st to 12th, you really get to know people. A true friend wouldn't drive right behind you and then throw a red shell to get ahead of you. They would honk their horn and support your spot in the race. Never destroying your chance of success for their own gain.

College can be quite an adventure, with ups and downs, but once you learn how to play the game it becomes far more enjoyable. Though it's up to you to figure these things out for yourself because unfortunately "college cheats" aren't as easy to find online as "'Mario Kart' cheats."

Please share this with any mentor or guardian that says "You need to stop playing video games" because when you think about it, "Mario Kart" is just like college. So you're only preparing yourself for your future. The time you spend playing is an investment in your future.