There's a few--well, actually a lot-- of things they don't tell you about college. First and foremost, don't nap during your free time. Your room will get messy, your laundry won't get done, and you'll fall down the slippery slope into depression. Secondly, the second pang of homesickness is worst than the first.
By the fifth week of the semester, routines are developed, things are no longer new and fun, and students start to drown in their used-to-be-well-kept planners. Que the homesickness.
Though I don't miss the town or the people, I truly miss my family and my job back home. Everything was so well-off over the summer, and I'm dreading the fact that it went so fast. Things are no longer so well-off. Que the sadness.
I've slowly let myself slip back into a depressive episode as I tell myself that I am so busy and overwhelmed as I nap in between classes and go to bed early. This has added to my homesickness and made me want to transfer to somewhere closer as if that would solve all of my problems. Newsflash, it won't.
But you know what will? Stopping the pity party, getting my life together, and knowing that I have all of the support in the world. And you do, too. Here's the reminder I wish someone would have given me:
1. You are enough.
You may think you're not, and despite your reasoning for that, you're wrong. Don't let anything or anyone dull your shine because you deserve the world.
2. You're making a change in someone's life.
Whether you know it or not, somebody looks up to you. No matter if they are older, younger, near, or far, you are somebody's reason to smile every day. How can they smile if you don't?
3. You are exactly where you're supposed to be.
This is by far the greatest reminder, so read it and read it again. You may be at a hard spot, but you're there for a reason. You have to go through these times because they will prepare you for what is to come. Don't take it upon yourself to alter God's mission, for that is not what you're here for.
4. God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.
You may think, "Everybody else has it so easy, why can't I?" I know I'm guilty of this. It is because you are strong. You may not know how strong just yet, but you will. You realize how strong you are when being strong is your only option. Don't let this tough time make you feel weak; let it bring out your strength.
5. It is just a bad day, not a bad life.
It is okay to have a bad day. You do not need to be ashamed to cry or feel the need to hide your emotions; it will only agitate you more. Instead, let yourself have a bad day. Crying it out feels good. However, stop it at one day. Pick yourself up and plan a new attack. Don't let this bad day make you feel like you have a bad life.
We get out of life what we put into it. Make the most of every second because you'll never get it back. Take care of yourself, physically and mentally, and never be afraid to reach out to those who care about you for help.
If you or someone you know is severely struggling, please seek out professional help by calling 1-800-273-8255 or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for an online chat. You are not alone.
