"Here we go, here we go, here we go again!" 10 points if you know the song!

Alright, I guess this is the sequel to my first article ever explaining to hold your course if you’re an older college student. As a thousand times before, I’ve mentioned that I’m pretty much in my mid-twenties finishing undergrad and am torturing myself into getting my masters right after. School starts in a couple weeks and I move back on campus next Saturday.

The absolute horror.

Now, don’t get me wrong, my roommate must be a sweetheart! I’m sure of it! However, there’s a time when you are ready to have your own space and do adult things you, know? Dormitories are like entry level “being on your own” experiences, and once you get that you can level up to the (not really awesomeness) of having your own apartment! Smell those bills!

Anyway, I’m absolutely exhausted. My summer wasn’t uneventful, but it sure didn’t prepare me for the onslaught of back to school feels and fees that struck me upside the head this August. Professors are already piling on the work, my books probably cost my left kidney, and I feel the Yellow Jacket pride coursing through my veins. I’m so not ready for this.

This semester, I decided to drink a nice tall glass of nope and accumulate 17.5 credits. I know underclassmen do much more and then some but I am a very slow paced introvert that needs time to refocus and replenish my broke college student skills. Therefore, with all the coursework, I’m just going to take part in two clubs and work one job.

“Wow, Michelle. That’s so tough (heavy sarcasm added). Why is this important again?”

Because we all have a tendency to overwork ourselves in the name of being a successful college student. Last spring, I had a fair amount of classes, was a part of two clubs, three choirs, and worked two jobs. Now at the time, I was super tired but proud that I was “accomplishing” such a feat. The reality is I was two seconds away from burning completely out and nearly lost it a couple of times. Being busy means absolutely nothing if it’s not productive for your goals, mind, and health. All-nighters are a reality but not necessarily the best thing to do constantly. You need to rest.

Yes, the college experience feels absolutely amazing, especially when you first graduate high-school. But take it from the resident self-appointed grandma, if you don’t take care of yourself, it will kick you in the hind parts eventually. Being successful means accomplishing your goals as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don’t sacrifice one for the other. Because if you do, something will always lack.