It’s that time of year again when the hot and fun filled days of summer are coming to an end. You’re beginning to mentally preparing yourself for all of the work, late night study sessions, and stress that you know are just right around the corner. But this semester, I challenge you to change your outlook on all of the things that you just don’t seem to miss about college. You may be surprised how much your school year can change with a new mindset.
Make time to spend with friends
All too often I find people saying that they can only hangout with friends at dinner because they’re just too busy and have too much work every other time during the day. However, we all know it’s what you make of it and how you plan your time that factors into that. So, work hard, but don’t forget to pencil in that free time to laugh and rejuvenate yourself before heading back to study or finish homework.
Remember that one bad grade on a quiz or exam does not define you
This one I know everyone is guilty of. You may go into the classroom thinking you could not be more prepared for an exam and then midway through, you’re thinking “oh no… this is terrible”. However, this isn’t the end of the world and it’s definitely not the end of your career. Things happen. You’re not perfect and we need to start taking these moments as a learning experience rather than a true depiction of our character.
Take time to reflect on yourself
While this may just be something that I find works, I believe it yields a great deal of positive outcomes. Every month or two I like to sit down and think about what it is that I want to accomplish in that year or even some of my long term goals that I would love to become reality. Then, I think about how I can make some of those things happen and I set out to do those them. I find that this really allows you to feel like you are being productive while also helping you accomplish some of your life goals.
Realize that everything happens for a reason
This was something that I know helped me a lot this past school year. There were moments when I felt like I wasn’t in the right major and that I felt like I needed a change because I was struggling in things that many other people were breezing through. So, my advice to you is to listen to yourself during these moments. Some majors might not be for everyone and that’s OK. These four years are a learning experience and you must treat them as so.
Finally, have fun and live life to its fullest because we only have so much time to be young and carefree. Cherish every moment and meet as many people as you can. Let the stressful moments roll of your shoulder and keep persevering through. It’s all just what you make of it
