I love to be involved. I like to know what the buzz around school is before it even happens, I like giving my input on various elements that have to do with our school and I absolutely love making connections with people I would never have met otherwise. In high school, I never really branched outside of my comfort zone; on my first day of college, I vowed I would change that.
It took me three years to really achieve, but I did. I committed to a large number of credit hours as well as got involved in, and even ran, various activities. Although participating in these activities challenged me, I easily became overcommitted and lost myself in trying to step outside my comfort zone. Looking back on these past three years, here are six things I have learned from being an overcommitted college student.
1. Learn to say no.
If you are as committed as I was, you probably hear this a million times. Well, here’s a million and one: Learn to say no! As much as you want to, you can’t do everything; you can’t even come close to doing everything. When you don’t say no, you start to run yourself thin. Then, the one activity you joined because you were passionate about it in the first place quickly falls to the bottom of your priority list. It sucks to admit that you’re not superman (or woman) but do it now before you hate yourself later.
2. You really do need a planner.
Typically, I have a pretty good memory. In high school, I didn’t even have a planner because I could remember the homework from that day. Chances are, you didn’t listen to the first point and now you are at the stage where you hate yourself. Do yourself a favor. Buy a planner. That way, you can keep track of all the meetings, homework assignments and extra commitments you don’t have time for.
3. Homework always comes first.
First and foremost, you are a college student working toward your degree. I know planning your school’s spring formal is way more fun that writing the 20-page research paper that is 50 percent of your grade, but do the damn paper. It may not seem like it now, but what you learn in your classes will actually help you in your field. It is important that you give 100 percent to your classes and your homework. (OK, 95 percent, but seriously, nothing less.)
4. Save room for your friends.
Chances are, you suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) just like I do, which is probably why you are involved as much as you are, but make sure your are saving room for your friends. Yes, involving yourself in different activities is an awesome way to meet new people and challenge yourself, but don’t forget the friends who got you to this point in your life! Those are the memories you will take with you forever. So, make sure you set some time aside for them.
5. Trust your advisors.
Your advisors are here to challenge you and help you grow. You may hate them at times, but they should be your go-to when you're stressing out about your life. Trust me, they actually care about you and how you're succeeding, both academically and socially. Be honest with them and admit your struggles. Chances are, they’ve been around the block and can probably offer killer advice.
6. You are only human.
It’s OK to mess up. Hell, it’s OK to take a complete nose dive! Remind yourself that you are only human. Everyone makes mistakes, especially leaders. It doesn’t matter how bad you screw up; just remember to take a deep breath, apologize for your actions and move forward to correct the wrongs you have made. Not everyone is going to like you, and that has to be OK. Just make sure you are doing the best you can and leave the rest up to God.
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