Throughout our life, we go through various of stages that shape who we are, day by day. College is the stage of discovery. It’s the time to dip our toes in the water and see if it’s too cold, or just right for us. But during this time of our lives, we are ridiculed and critiqued for every mistake we make, or questioned for not wanting to follow through with our original plans.
We’re expected to keep up an exceptional GPA, healthy lifestyle, find our true love, pay the never ending rising tuition, and be highly involved with multiple organizations. Of course, all while maintaining a social life. While this may seem easy to some, it’s not to all. And with the added pressure of trying to please the ones you love without having them know about the nights when you can’t stop crying because your life resembles a Jenga puzzle after one piece was removed at the wrong time. But, we’re only human, and mistakes will be made once, twice or -- mostly likely -- 10 or more times until we learn from them.
Here are reasons why you shouldn’t be sorry for the inevitable realities college throws at you like a wrecking ball.
Don’t be sorry for experimenting.
How can you say you don’t like something until you’ve tried it? Same goes for our life choices. Now, I’m not saying to steal a car, but I am saying to get out there and try a new major if you don’t like yours; before it’s too late. It’s normal to grow out of things and realize this isn’t what I want anymore. I mean, if that wasn’t the case. Then breakups wouldn’t exist.
Don’t be sorry for being nocturnal.
I’m always told, “you stay up so late,” like its bad thing? As a college student, you have more than one thing to do in a day’s span. So if things don’t go as planned and pushed back, then don’t worry. Staying up past 5 a.m. to write a paper due the day of doesn’t mean you don’t care about your studies, it shows things happen or maybe procrastination got the best of you, but you’re still working through it. So embrace you’re cup of coffee and tiredness; it shows you’re trying your best.
Don’t be sorry for being a clown.
“Cheers to the freakin' weekend.” Depending on your schedule, you have two nights and days throughout the week where you can just simply be free. So take advantage, and don’t apologize for getting too freaky to the classic “Yeah!” by Usher on the dance floor. Whether you go out every weekend (plus the week days) or once in a blue moon, never let someone make you feel bad for simply having fun and doing what college students do best at. You had a long week -- you deserve it.
Don’t be sorry for being introverted.
As someone who considers myself extroverted most of the time; I still need my alone time. As much one says they love being around people, you need time to yourself, and you shouldn’t feel bad for saying “no” to hanging out, when all you want to do is lay in bed watching "F.R.I.E.N.D.S" while inhaling Cheetos. College is stressful, so sit back and relax on your own time.
Don’t be sorry for putting yourself first.
Prioritize yourself, and don’t feel bad about it. This is the time to build yourself into something that will hopefully take you to great places after it’s over. Putting your own needs first doesn’t mean you only care about yourself. It means you’re doing what makes you happy. Instead of following what others want you to do.
Although packets of ramen outweigh the amount of money in your bank account, and the bags under your eyes are far from designer. These are the years to bring back “sorry, I’m not sorry” because the reality is, you'll make mistakes that you’ll look back on and smile on -- or, most likely, laugh about.
