Although it's still my freshman year, I feel like I've been hit by a bus. Literally. Don't get me wrong, college definitely has its perks. There is always something going on, I've made plenty of new friends, I love my major so far, and I enjoy the organizations I am a part of. However, I feel like no one informed me on the realities of college life. People always talk about how fun college is and how great it is to be independent. They just forget to tell you how painful, stressful, and aggravating it can be sometimes. Don't worry, I've got plenty of time.

College is a mountain-load of stress. College is those late nights going to bed because you just typed a four-page paper, the early morning alarms for your 8 A. M. class, the days and nights of studying, and the feeling that you'll never make it through. It's like the overwhelming sense of panic and anxiety never ends. You've always got some little something due the next day or at the end of the week, and you feel like you'll never get it done. You always feel like you're in a triangle. You try to make time for friends, school work, and having time for yourself. It occasionally gets easier. I always feel as if I have so much to do. Most of the time I don't, but on the days I do, I can't shake the feeling of being overloaded.

I believe if I wasn't taking an English course right now, I would be okay. English consists of nothing but writing, writing, writing. Ugh. I don't understand how English majors do it. You have to really love that, and I do not. I love free writing like this, but prompt writing for college is so....particular. The one thing that keeps me going is the fact that this quarter is almost over. Woo-hoo! Then I will be done with English forever.

College is also such a big adjustment. You're living on your own and have to learn how to do most things without anyone's help. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, you just have to prepare yourself to handle it. I surprisingly have not had much trouble with this. It's different, but it's not as bad as I thought. I've gotten so much better at navigating Ruston. And I've also strengthened my time management skills as far as how long it takes to walk to wherever I need to go. I think time management is one of the most valuable skills anyone can learn.

Lastly, college is a chance to start over. Most people probably don't think of it this way, but I feel like I've become a new person since I moved to Ruston. I was saved not too long ago, and I'm doing things that I could not have seen myself doing in high school. I'm so much more involved in extracurricular activities and it is the best feeling. I'm gaining new skills, and I can definitely say I have learned that not everyone is a jerk. Sometimes you meet the nicest people, and they turn out to be some of your closest friends. I believe I've even gotten closer to someone who I thought I was close to before.

Whether you are just starting college or have been there for a while, just remember that college is a time for fun and hard work. Even if it seems like there is a sack of stress on your shoulders, don't forget that you're surrounded by people who love you and care about you and wish you the best.