The first semester in college sure was a big deal a month or two ago, which faded as soon as it came. The students sure was excited to pick and register for the classes they wanted. There was freedom to pick classes and not pick others. Another opportunity was to select the number of courses to take. Being excited, I think, many students took around 18 or so credits. Some, who were unable to take full 18 credits due to certain circumstances, sure were grumpy at the time. I bet those who took 18 or more credits must have been very busy during the mid-terms. Taking five or six classes in high school was surely a walk in the park. But when it comes to college, one has to be smart about this.

Study and your course of college are not as superficial as in high school. One has to study textbooks, take notes in class and go through them (yes, class notes), and read more than a night before the test. And all this is for one subject. So, when one has to do it for 6 or 7 classes, there is a huge pile of assignments,and some test dates may collide. All of this will build up one's stress and will make one unhealthy. Then, what is the solution?

Some people do have the natural ability to handle stress skillfully, but for some, it is a huge problem. If one can take 18 or 19 credits and still be actively involved in extracurricular activities, hobbies and hang out with friend,s that is admirable. If not ,one ought to calculate how much one can handle while keeping a good balance between study, hobbies, extra activities and socialization. “College is about keeping the balance” sure is a pedestrian thing to say, but it is an absolute truth. In my opinion, studying is a vital part of college life but having good socialization and leadership skills and other additional abilities are also a necessity to compete in today’s world.

Freshman and sophomore years, in my perspective, are the time to explore oneself, one’s interest and one’s passion. One needs to make time to experience as many things as possible and find fondness in oneself because the path one takes in college years will be a good determination of the future of that person.