Syllabus Week has come and gone. The second semester is starting to gear up. Classes are starting to get real, and your hectic, busy college life is about to begin. Soon, we will be smothered with quizzes, tests, papers, work, friends, calling our parents, extracurriculars and trying to keep sane. When life gets a little crazy, it's easy to fall into a habit of thinking negatively. But as college students, it's good to look around and remember that yes, life is crazy, but it's also pretty great. Here's a list of small things that you should remember to be thankful for when you're studying.
1. College friends that make you forget about reality, if only for a little bit. When the semester gets crazy, it's great to lean on your college friends. They know exactly what you're going through because they're right there with you. They know how tough that professor's test was. When you've had a rough day, there is no one better to go get ice cream, watch a movie or go to a party with. Someone is always willing to help you take your mind off your struggles (and procrastinate homework with you).
2. High school friends that you can reminisce with. When college gets too hard, there is no one better to call and talk about how easy high school was. They are the people that will remind you of how you thought the world was going to end when you failed your AP U.S. History quiz one time junior year. The world did not end. You still managed to get into college. And one bad grade in college does not mean you'll never get a job after graduation. High school friends remind you of that. They also can laugh with you at the dumb stories you have from your awkward years.
3. Family that supports you no matter what. Everyone has at least one family member that supports them in everything they do. These are the people that keep you grounded and sane. They remind you that yes, college is hard, but imagine how great you're going to feel crossing that stage on graduation day. They'll celebrate every little win with you, and everyone needs people like that in their life.
4. The ability to learn. It's easy to complain about schoolwork. I do it too. However, everyone needs to be grateful to have the opportunity to be at an amazing institution. For every person that wishes they weren't in college, there is another person wishing they could be at college. Embrace challenges; they'll make you stronger.
5. Food on your plate. Yes, dorm food can get boring and some of it is sketchy. However, at least you have food to be eating. A lot of people would kill to eat that sandwich, so don't take it for granted.
6. The ability to see every season. I know winter is cold, but once in a while, take a look at the true beauty that is winter. Snow is truly beautiful, and it's a fun stress-reliever! Besides, without winter, we wouldn't appreciate the sunny summer months as much.
7. Life. Life is really hard sometimes, but at least you have the opportunity to live it. You can do anything you want in your life. If you're genuinely unhappy, try changing things up a little. Life is good, and life is bad. Take every moment of life and own it. We only have a few years to be young and crazy college students. Before we know it, we'll be sitting at our desks complaining about taxes, our spouses or mortgages. So for now, let's be thankful we can complain about such trivial things as professors, house fellows or how far your dorm is from your class.
