I read a book today. It wasn't required reading. I read a book just to enjoy it. It wasn't a textbook, or me re-reading Harry Potter, yet again. I went to the library and got a book.
Instead of drowning myself in the pile of homework and textbook reading I could have accomplished, I took a break and read a book. It doesn't sound special at all, but I realized I hadn't read anything for fun since Christmas break.
When I was little, I devoured every book I could get my hands on. It's just another one of my favorite hobbies, banished to the "After Homework" pile. This to-do list of projects and hobbies is basically a joke, because now that we are in college "after homework" no longer exists.
It's terrible that students don't take the time to read for fun. It helps us de-stress. It gets us away from all the homework and to-do lists for a while.
During the time in our lives when we have such great access to a wonderful library, we should make an effort to read. I feel that students lose their childhood love of books in the massive, never-ending piles of non-fiction and required reading. Is there anything to be done about this problem?
While coursework can be captivating and career changing, over analyzed pieces of literature and biology textbooks, should not be the extent of our reading. Read something, a magazine, novel, or biography even though you don't have to. Learn something, let the words of other inspire your own original ideas.
Our summers are rare opportunities. We are only a few mere semesters away from joining the outside world. Do something with your summer. Get a job, volunteer, make a difference, join a book club, take a trip, learn anything, or do something.
I am going to personally make an effort to fill my limited free time with more books. If you are one of the few bibliophiles who reads despite the chaos in the life of a college student, I applaud you.
Instead of binge watching another series on Netflix, we should find a better use of our limited free time as college students. It might take more willpower and self-control, but it's worth it. Learn an instrument, learn a new skill, do something outside, find a new hobby, or at least read a book.
Go, pick up a book, any book, and please start reading, even if it takes months to finish. Don't lose your love of reading.
