As a freshman I knew college would be hard. I knew there would be late nights studying, cramming for two tests because professors scheduled them the same day. I knew the work load would be different from high school, more tests that are worth a lot more, and just expected readings and homework. This past week was my first “bad” week.
This past week I had an essay due, two test in one day, a project and a rough draft. I knew I just had to study and get it done, that's what college is about, learning. This week I didn’t have much time for relaxing or hanging out with friends, which was weird because since I came to school I always have had time to see my friends or just take time to actually eat. I like being busy at school and I like feeling productive, but sometimes it is all a lot!
You just have to remember that you're going to be okay and you're going to get through it. You just have to get your work done, and then you can relax and get excited for the weekend (or your next assignment). College is a lot of work and for us First Semester Freshman; it is new and every first test is a bit scary.
Another thing you have to remember is why you’re in college, to get a degree in a field you want to work in. That is one of the things that keeps me motivated, just knowing that I am laying down the foundation for my future and learning subjects and things that I will be able to actually apply to my future job. We are also very lucky we're in a university or college getting a degree; attending college isn't something everyone gets to experience. Remember just how lucky we are to get to call our schools home.
Don’t forget that saying “no” to going out is okay. If you know you have a five-page research paper due Friday at noon, going to a party Thursday night may not be the best idea (unless you are really on top of your game and that essay is done). It is okay to miss one night out with your friends, it isn’t okay to get an “F” on your paper because you did not give it the amount of time it deserved. Keep in mind that you have different classes than your friends, meaning you have different workloads at different times, just because one of them can always go out doesn’t mean you always can.
“College is a cycle of trying to survive until the weekend” is something I hear students say, and it is true. Also, the weeks here go by faster than they do in high school. I cannot believe I am about to start week 7. I feel like it was just move-in day and my classes were a mystery and I didn't know my roommate. I think everything happens so fast because it is different every day. You meet new people all the time, have different variations of your day. For the most part, you have different Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes than your Tuesday, Thursday classes so you aren’t in one class all the time or around the same kids all the time. In high school, you see the same kids day after day for four years, but in college, it is highly probable that you will never have a class with kid in your Beginner Spanish class ever again.
The next weekend is right around the corner, you can make it, just do your work and don't forget to breathe. After a hard and tiring week, ice cream is not a bad idea.
