In high school, I was an overachiever. I was hardworking, attentive, and always striving for perfection. With that mindset, I was perpetually stressed out and my life was a cycle of school, studying, with very little time in between for the basics of life to happen.

I would not call myself happy, but I wouldn't describe myself as otherwise in that point in my life. I have realized that in high school, I was not living my life. I was too concerned about getting the best grades, panicking that a 93% on an assignment, that it wasn't perfect, and beating myself up about it. My life revolved around school and I was missing out on so many opportunities and experiences.

I chose to go to a college in another state, and about four hours from home. The first night at school I was scared, unsure, and nervous to say the least. I instantly saw all these students from all different backgrounds actually living, having fun, making connections with cool, interesting people.

I knew that I needed to not get trapped into my high school ways. I still wanted to do well in my classes, but I was certain that if I did not divide my time between school and my personal life in a more reasonable way, that I was going to be extremely unhappy, witnessing everyone else living their lives to the fullest. I was in such a bubble in high school, between my hometown dynamics, my upbringing, and the lack of me ever being able to experience unique, fascinating things since my life revolved around school and studying.

College has many more implications than high school does, and it was hard to find a good balance of life versus school. It is very achievable with dedication and at times some give-and-take. College has shown me that grades are influential and meaningful to achieving great things.

However, they are not everything.

Having passions, experiences, and understanding of the world is equally important. They add a great deal to yourself, your wisdom, and your happiness that no class or professor can. Having a relatable and captivating aurora, while also having more than just knowledge makes a person distinguished. Intelligence is nothing without application and the greatest of people have the ability to have a well balanced mind of both brilliance and perception.

Although getting good grades is great, having real world perspicacity is just as needed. Being more well-rounded has made it harder to keep a 4.0 GPA, but, in my opinion, it does not matter.

I am growing as person and realizing there is more to life than centering your life around school. GPA is only a number, it is how you bestow and conduct yourself during and after school that truly matters.