Coming into college, I had no idea of the amount of free time I'd have; and along with that time comes the pressure to spend it wisely. What you do between classes, on weeknights, and on the weekends will define your college experience and shape you into the person you become.
Immediately, I knew I didn't want to spend my year sitting in bed sleeping and watching Netflix. I wanted to take advantage of the countless opportunities that universities have to offer. Right off the bat, I planned to take full advantage of this free time to get involved and make a difference.
My freshman year has taught me the importance of being motivated yet patient. There are so many ways to get involved that it's often too overwhelming to even decide on one thing. I've realized that getting involved in a few small ways is much more beneficial than spreading yourself too thin and taking on way too many activities.
Secondly, I've learned that making a plan that is challenging yet achievable is an easy way to push yourself and stay on a path to success. Decide what you want to do with your free time semester by semester, make a plan, and stick to it. Having your goals mapped out gives you confidence on the days when the pressure to make the most of these four short years of freedom seem suffocating.
Don't get me wrong, I am a strong proponent of living your life day by day and not worrying too much about the future. That's why each day I try to do something productive that will better mold me into the person I want to be. Just one daily task can help you get closer to those goals and is a step in the right direction. While I'd like to be productive 24/7, college has also taught me that lazy days are okay. Once I have a “real job" and am forced into the “real world," I'm not going to have time to be bored or do whatever I want. I've learned that some days and nights it's okay to sit in your dorm and do nothing, as long as you balance that free time.
I'm determined not to take the easy way out. Spending every day and night out partying or alone in your room is not a meaningful way to grow as a person during your college years. Make the most of the free time college has to offer; push yourself to get involved and do activities that enrich and fulfill you. In the end you'll be successful, disciplined, and much happier.
