It's September, and while it may not feel like autumn quite yet, the fall semester is in full swing. Work can pile up quickly as professors somehow seem to coordinate big tests and projects to be due at the same time, and reading 100 pages a night doesn't seem as manageable as it did a few weeks ago. Here are a few reminders that should help you take a deep breath and trek through the rest of this semester triumphantly.
We all know the feeling: everyone else is out, and while you want to stay in and enjoy some quality me-time, you have that ever-present #FOMO (fear of missing out). Here’s the thing—by making any choice in life, you are automatically choosing one use of time over another. There is nothing wrong with staying in, and there is nothing wrong with going out. Make the choice that resonates with you, and enjoy the freedom you have to make your own decisions. We all value our time in different ways, and you are not always going to want to do everything your friends are doing. We are all different, inherently unique individuals, so that is perfectly fine.
The time to start your good study habits is now. Newton’s First Law of physics tells us that a body in motion stays in motion, and vice versa. If you begin solid study schedules in the first week of class, you can avoid the unnecessary struggle of cramming later in the semester. By setting yourself up to succeed in the early stages of adjusting to a new class schedule, you’ll find yourself less overwhelmed during finals week. Love yourself, read all assigned pages, and stay engaged in your courses.
3. Hustle hard in everything you do.
It may sound cliché, but hard work does pay off. Devoting attention to the things you care about brings about productive opportunities. Be it studying consistently for a problematic class, or joining organizations that help you explore your interests, staying prolifically busy is good for both the spirit and resume.
4. Treat yo'self.
Work hard, play hard, people. Being buried in work is a relatable feat for most college students, so it is crucial to take those meaningful moments to indulge yourself. Working yourself into a tizzy can often be avoided if you treat yourself to breaks, comfort foods, and your favorite TV show or movie. Psychological studies consistently show that taking frequent breaks while studying helps students retain more information, so taking a break to watch an episode of "Bob’s Burgers" may actually better for you, academically speaking.
5. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to seek help.
We’ve all been there. There comes a point in every semester where the amount of work you have to accomplish hits you like a brick wall. The utility of the university experience is that there are support systems built into the lifestyle. Whether its roommates in your dorm, empathetic professors, family, or academic advisors, there are people in accessible vicinity willing to help you work through any struggle. With most legitimate excuses, professors will either help you with an assignment or give you an extension. Academic advisors can help you better stack your schedule for future semesters. Friends and families can help you learn from missteps. Also, at the end of the day, you might be surprised by how fruitful admitting you need help can be. Dig into your sources of strength, wherever they might be.
6. You're here for a reason, so keep your head in the game.
Regardless of track of study, we are all here to earn degrees. Our time in the university setting has its own stigmas and paths, and it’s our ultimate responsibility to find our own way to graduation. Making memories and taking risks is a fine way to spend time while away at college, but remember that while you may not find all of your classes especially titillating, you need those credits to attain that expensive piece of paper at the end of your academic track. Universities, such as the College of Charleston, have so many resources to take advantage of while matriculating, there’s no reason not to use the tools as your disposal to make yourself as professionally competitive as possible. Remember to ask questions, talk with your professors, and discover what resources will result in productive and enjoyable use of time.
7. You're awesome.
YES! You are awesome, you are brilliant. You are finding your own path, and you are living your own life. Grades, professors, and friends won’t ever define your worth. You are the Sherpa of your own life, and you are guiding yourself toward a fruitful future. Self-deprecating is a destructive habit, and surrounding yourself by positive and motivating forces is imperative. Keep that chin up, and keep striving against adversity. Believe in yourself, even when it’s difficult. Love yourself, even if it seems corny. Count on yourself, and keep hustling. And, above all, stay #blessed.
