There was certainly a time in my life when I was really on top of school and everything else going on and it was super nice to be that way, but I think that was also just at a much simpler time. All throughout elementary and middle school, I absolutely loved having color coded binders, cool pens, and all spiffy school supplies. Having everything in pristine condition made me happy but also made me more motivated and excited for school. I would meticulously three hole punch everything and organize it into my color coded binders, do all my homework plenty of time in advance, effectively space out my studying for tests, and managed to always attend my sports practices and games. I didn't think I was doing that good of a job organizing myself at the time, but in retrospect, I was very different from how I am now. My habits have definitely changed... debatably for better or for worse.
Over the years I developed a more, let's say, lax outlook on school. First off, I was definitely a proponent of the Senior Slump in high school because I got accepted to my college in mid-December and that was a done deal, so then I didn't have all too much motivation to keep up my methodical school routine. I still got all my work done and maintained good grades, but did so without the hyperactive worrying about everything. So fast forward to the start of college and I kept up with my more calm mentality with school work.
Once again, though I didn't start things weeks in advance, I always got my papers completed, projects done, and quizzes and tests studied for. I was taking it day by day and not stressing myself over anything because I knew myself and knew it would not be left undone.
And this "new me" also applies to aspects outside the realm of school work. I have become much more noticeably easygoing, which people seem to find calming in a way. I am still responsible, and not a mindless idiot, let me assure you. However, I have a few examples off the top of my head that give you a good idea for what I'm like these days:
1. December 15th, my school's study abroad applications were due. Practically every single person I knew at school had started their application in like November, but me, nah, I didn't know where I wanted to go/if I wanted to go at all. Of course, a good amount of deliberation went on in my head but I also had to consult my parents. Anyways, everyone I knew was very on top of their application, which I respect. Now all you need to know is that I submitted my application to go abroad hours before the deadline on the day it was due. But hey, I still made it, right? And a few months later, I got accepted, so that's all that really matters.
2. For the weeks leading up to spring break everyone was talking about where they are going and when I got asked, I continuously answered with "umm, I don't really know yet." I had one of two options, so I knew that much. And even as it dwindled down to the days before break, my friends laughed at me because I still didn't know what I was doing, so no flights were booked. Well, 3 days before school was ending, I finally made my spring break plans. Easy peasy, and no stress...but some would consider that far too last-minute.
3. My house was pure chaos when I came home this summer. My parents were in the process of moving, so my house was being cleaned out and staged to be in pristine condition. And that takes tons of work. I was constantly tired and so were my parents. But, since I was going abroad, I had a student visa that I had to get taken care of. And, well, you can guess what happened with that. Waited way too long, but finally did the application and booked the required appointment (a full eight days after my school suggested it be done, mind you) and crossed my fingers. I got the visa back to me, in my passport, exactly two weeks prior to my departure. Get 'er done.
Now I know what you're thinking. And yes, plenty of people have asked me how I can manage to stay so calm with deadlines coming up...or they just laugh at me when I tell them that I haven't yet started something, and I usually laugh along with them and then shrug it off because I know my capabilities. Have no fear, everyone.
Of course I have moments where I wish I could easily go back to my old ways, but it's not that easy. And yeah, some people may judge me, but I don't really care that much because "different strokes for different folks!" So judge away, but some are actually envious for having a more laid back attitude (OK, maybe not as extreme as I sometimes get...but you get the point). I know I cut it close sometimes, but it gets done and that's all that really matters in the end, right?
