Ah, the college years. You made it through high school, spent the summer stalking Pinterest dorm decorating pages, hugged your friends and family goodbye, and left your small town in the dust. You've always dreamed about what this whole "college life" would look like.

I have always known that whatever I did in life, I wanted to make a difference. I believe that going through difficult things in your life at a young age can give you a different perspective on life. There is nothing like the searing pain of loss, betrayal, or rejection to make you strive to be better than the horrible circumstances around you. I am a firm believer in the American dream -- working hard, despite the worst circumstances, to achieve great things and make a difference. These beliefs, along with my faith in God, kept me going throughout my childhood and high school. I firmly believed that once I went away to college, the people around me would be as driven and full of hope and purpose as I am.

I am fortunate enough to have met many wonderful people that do share these ideals. But overall, I have found that my generation is being suffocated by an atmosphere of complacency, laziness, and over-indulgence. We could blame society. That is the easiest culprit. Well, until you realize that society is comprised of its members and the moral compass of society is set by the morals and beliefs of its members. Ouch.

So here are a few ways in which society is telling college students to settle vs. what college students could achieve:

1. Netflix and Chill

I would love to assume that this is just a joke and that guys are not actually using this to get some girl in his bed. In most contexts, I see it as a joke. No harm, right? Next time you see a lighthearted meme about "netflix and chill", pay attention to how the girl is portrayed. Clueless? Gullible? Weak? How is the guy portrayed? Clever? Powerful? Desperate? I know, I know, most of you are probably saying, "Chill out crazy blog lady, it's just a joke!" Look at the bigger picture.

Ladies, those attributes are not in the least bit flattering. You deserve more.

Guys, tricking girls into sleeping with you? Do the kinds of girls who fall for that actually treat you with respect? You deserve more too.

2. Bad Grades

Not going to lie, I have been there. I checked UCF webcourses to see what grade I got on that quiz and didn't even care it was a 'C'. In fact, I probably did a little happy dance because, let's be real, I probably did about five minutes of studying before dubbing myself 'ready' to take the quiz. By those standards, a 'C' is worthy of a little Carlton/Fresh Prince happy dance (if you know what I'm talking about, we can be friends). But when did we stop caring about how bad grades due to laziness and procrastination makes us look? It might not seem like a big deal right now, but slacking off does not end when you graduate. Chances are if you spent four years not caring about your performance in school, then employers will identify that trait of complacency from miles away after school.

Yes, C's get degrees. And if you are trying your best, that is an achievement. But you cannot rise above the rest when you are settling to their standards.

3. Binge-Eating

I mean, c'mon, the Freshman Fifteen stereotype has to come from somewhere! And from personal experience, I am here to say that it is real and it is the worst. College is a magical place where there are no moms telling you to fix yourself a salad or have an apple for dessert. (Seriously Mom, an apple?) With Walgreen's and Del Taco open all night to satisfy every 3 am craving, how can we resist? First let me say, satisfy that taco craving sometimes! Indulge every now and then because, well, you can! But that Freshman Fifteen is waiting around the corner with a bag of Doritos, a super gulp, and an entire large pizza. If the weight gaining or health aspect is not enough to convince you, think about the character traits you develop as you binge. Lack of self-control. Lack of self-respect. Lack of motivation and drive.

I am definitely not saying that if you are overweight or binge eat, you are a horrible person with horrible character. I am saying that there is a better version of you out there. There is more to you than how many tubs of Cherry Garcia you can eat in one night. And you and the world deserve to know that version of you!

4. Fear of the Unknown

Ahh, this one is a biggie. As a college student, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with responsibility, as if forced into "adult-ing" too soon. Remember all of those dreams you had in high school to study abroad in Venice, go backpacking through Europe, or take that mission trip to Africa? Remember when high school was too soon to go and after college was too late? The time is now! This is the time in your life when nothing is decided for you! You have the freedom from the huge responsibilities of marriage and children to chase your dreams! So often we let our fear stop us from doing incredible things! The fear of what our parents will say. The fear of going alone. The fear of not being financially able to go. So talk to your parents, recruit your best friend, don't blow your money on concert tickets and tacos, and go!

Don't ever forget to follow the passions God has given you! You might not be able to make a lot happen on your own. But God gave you the dreams and passions He did so that you can use them!

College is your time to become a person who makes a difference.