College students are notoriously busy individuals. Between having a paper due here, a test happening there, it's easy to get caught up in the here and now. After two years in college, I realized that I was missing out on so much by just focusing on what was right in front of my face.
1. Don't forget about your parents.
You going to college was probably a pretty big deal for them, and, while you were going through all these changes, it was a big change for them too. Be sure to give them a text or a call every once in awhile and let them know that you're thinking about them; I'm sure they'd love to hear from you!
2. Your grades do not define you.
Although grades are pretty important, your entire being cannot be accurately summed up in just one number. For the people who aren't performing like they think they should be: it will get better, but you just have to keep trying your best. For the overachievers: one bad grade is not going to kill your future.
3. It's okay to fail.
Actually, I believe that it's beneficial to fail at least a few times. No one can be absolutely perfect 101% of the time; it's just not human and it's an unrealistic expectation. We may see those people who we perceive as perfect, but there could be many things that you don't know about that person's life. This isn't to say that you should be failing every test and failing on purpose; it's more to say that failure, in moderation, builds character and helps you grow.
4. Right now is not all there is.
If you're really struggling with where you're at in life right now, keep in mind that you have a long, bright future ahead of you. A beautiful, yet somewhat frustrating, part of life is just how dynamic it is and how often it changes. Your life could change as soon as tomorrow. You just never know!
5. Don't forget about your health.
Please, do not forget about your health. The habits you make now will stick with you for years and years to come. Try to get some exercise, even if it's only a 30-minute walk. Try to work some fruits and vegetables into your diet. Also, please be sure to get some sleep. Not only will you feel great, you'll start to build healthy habits that will last you a life time. Take some time today to really focus on yourself and make sure that you have everything you need before trying to accommodate for others.
These five aspects of life may sound super, super simple, but they are so easily forgotten about. Take some time today to remember these five aspects of life and ask yourself whether or not you've been making enough time for them.