Before I start this article, I want to make a disclaimer that I’m well aware that you have to work hard in college. If college was easy, then everyone would have a degree. I know that you have to put in all your effort and that it’s not entitled that you earn a degree, and all that jazz. Everyone talks about how screwed up the American public education system is, but no one talks about American universities and just how stressed college students are to their absolute breaking point. I know so many people (including myself) that have just lost it due to how much was expected of them. And no, you can’t rest because you have an exam in two days that you’re not prepared for.
College is a time when you actually get the choice to attend school, and pick what you want to learn … to some degree. (Pun intended!). It’s the time where most kids become adults, (sometimes debatable), and learn what it’s like to be truly on their own. It’s where lasting friendships are made and newfound interests are budding. It’s all for that one little piece of paper at the end, where it’s your ticket (hopefully) to get a job that’s not at a fast-food joint. Well, it’s supposed to be. But, I can’t tell you how many people don’t actually get to do that.
From the time college starts, you’re constantly worried about competition in the job market. It’s natural because in 2007, when the housing-market busted and the economy went down, there was a scarce supply of jobs. Job hunting has always been somewhat competitive, but the stakes were raised at an all-time high, and from then on, it became the Hunger Games to find a job. Not even a job in the field you graduated in, just a job.Those resumes must have knocked the literal socks off a hiring employer.
When you go to college, you have your classes. Whether you take twelve, eighteen or any number of credits in between, your first priority is to go to class and complete your homework and study. And of course you need a 3.5 or above to be considered for any kind of scholarship or to be able to put it on your resume. Also your parents will kill you if you don’t pass your classes, because chances are they are co-signers of your life-long loans.
You also need to be a well-rounded person. Joining clubs, participating in community and school activities and showing that you’ve integrated in society is a crucial part of a resume. But depending on how often you meet and what the commitments the club requires, can take a up a lot of precious study time.
College is so expensive that most students get some kind of job or participate in a work study program. While most colleges offer super flexible schedules, there’s always a minimum number or hours that is required. There’s going to be early mornings/late nights. No college student wants to be broke all the time, between rent, groceries and the bar money. It’s also good if you get a job, semi-related to your major and it looks good to an employer that you can balance school and work. So there goes more hours of time.
It’s almost known that you can’t get a job without some kind of internship experience so many students take at least two days a week interning, limiting class and study time. And if the internship isn’t paid (which most aren’t), you have to work even more. Which leaves less time for studying, and sleep.
Another thing many students take part in, is Greek life and those chapter meetings and social events don’t always come with a RSVP; they are mandatory. Fundraisers, meetings, rush week, mixers, etc are things that come with the letters and it’s a big commitment.
And then in between all of that, you’re expected to have a social life. Friends and family probably want to see you and all you really want to do is sleep because God knows you don’t do enough of it during the week because you were up writing that four page paper because your club meeting ran late and you can’t do it tomorrow because you’re interning at that business firm….
College students are constantly on the go and it leaves virtually no time to experience college. You have to pick between sleep and making memories, homework or risk getting dropped from your club roaster. Yes, there's going to be late nights or all-nighters, and coffee is your best friend, but there's a too much point. It’s just not healthy, and it can take a toll on your mental health. Too much emphasis on school doesn’t give you the experiences of growing up, because you’re always doing something “resume-enhancing.” Screw the resume, you're very qualified. You will get a job, just do something that’s going to make your college experience worth it.
