Those early steps of college can always feel rocky. From semester structure, to the newly difficult curriculum. Quirky professors to new classmates, higher education takes a little bit of getting used to. You build new habits for studying, sleeping, and socializing alike, and it becomes a barrage of new information and adjustment.
After awhile though, you fall into step and shape new habits into patterns. The unconventional, annoying and odd become part of the everyday, “go-to-class-and-get-your-homework-finished” routine. And we're gonna talk about some of those things you accept, with fun Disney gifs!
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1. Disorganization (from Others)
People are messy. Life is messy; things happen. This never fails to sneak into one semester or another, whether it be that group project that falls to you alone or that professor who can't quite seem to catch up between class periods. It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out: you have four other classes to keep track of, and don't need the extra work of babysitting.
By Junior Year...
You've accepted that your classmates aren't to be trusted. They are traitors who will fail you: you either organize for yourself and help organize them. You can make judgment calls on your professors from syllabus day, preparing to study two weeks ahead in case they just so happen to draw up an assignment they're sure everyone has prepared enough for. Both save you from weeks of stress.
2. Annoying Freshmen
We all start somewhere, but every undergrad gets to a point where you just go, "ugh, freshman." Especially if you are even a little older than the typical freshman crowd, as I was. They are just out of high school and still wear makeup for morning classes. They're the first to call a course "easy" and the first to bemoan a failing grade as the professor's fault. They are loudest in the union and late to classes (and noisy about that too). You are simply trying to pay attention and get through your day- this would be so easier without these children!
But by Junior Year...
You have seen the end of the classes with many freshmen (if any at all). The ones you do encounter you just accept; they will make the decision whether to buckle down and get serious, or they'll be gone in a few years. Let them have their fun.
3. More Organization (from You!)
There was a time when you might be able to get by with your just a notebook and pencil to class, but that ship has long sailed. There was also a time when that multi-foldered, color-coded binder your mom bought you proved useful, and that ship has sailed as well.
By Junior Year...
You have your system to studying down, whatever that means for you. You know have much time you really need to prepare for a History exam, or how much effort you should put into your Biology discussion posts. You've probably figured out that stress is your enemy in either situation, so you've learned to get serious and relax when they are called for.
4. Sleep
You are always tired during college. Or sick. Or multi-tasking to the point to stress-related collapse. Or all three. It's the price you pay, particularly if you manage full hours and a job/internship/social life. It's misery-inducing during the early semesters, and can lead to burn out if you're not careful. But you're fine!
By Junior Year...
You have learned that a little tired/stress is needed; a lot can often set you back to the point of failure. You aren't pulling all nighters for every final. You aren't living off of coffee. Your time is best put to use when you actually rest and prepare. Your body and mind thank you for the break.
5. The “One Bad Grade."
Every semester will come with what I like to call the One Bad Grade; a particular exam or project that you don't do as well on as you hoped . They crush you like a soft grape, and if they're early enough in the semester, they set a bad tone for the rest of the class. You are doomed. Que more failing grades. You will never finish college now. Drop that class. Best start preparing those McDonald's applications now.
But by Junior Year...
You've learned that the One Failing Grade is a part of life. Sometimes, you aren't as prepared as you thought you were, or you stress and choke when you normally wouldn't... and that's okay. Failure is a part of learning, and the best thing we can do is dust ourselves off and do better next time. We press on and make an effort to pass- and even surprise ourselves once and awhile.
