A month ago, I reached my halfway mark to graduating college. I finished my sophomore year! For the past two years, college has been a memorable experience but frankly it’s also been a bit of a struggle. The media representation of college is supposed to be fun, relaxed, promiscuous (haha), Greek life-filled ... you name it. However, the way media represents college life is a bit stressed. Kind of like buying a Michael Kors bag that turned out to be fake -- a rip-off. It raises high and fun expectations from incoming college students. Let me share some of my struggles:

1. Paperwork (FAFSA, Student Loans, Scholarships, Taxes, and Shizz)

I pay 52K a year at the University of Portland, and you have no idea how much scholarships I had to fill out to lessen my balance. FAFSA is just a tiny bit of help, but also a long process just to renew. My scholarships and grants aren’t even enough that I had to deal with applying for student loans. Not to mention, I also had to file my taxes which leads me to my next struggle…

2. I Needed a Job, Because I’m Broke AF

I refused to work during my fall semester of freshmen year because I thought my classes were too much for me. After Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s, I was so broke that I needed a job. So, I worked as a research assistant at the Sociology Department during spring semester. During my sophomore year, I worked as a Concessions Cashier and a Barista. Let me tell you, money wasn’t enough. Don't get me started on textbooks.

3. Time Management

To survive college, I needed to make some cash. But how was I supposed to concentrate in school and make money at the same time? Time management. As a barista, I had to study on the side while there’s no customers around. Luckily, I can make my own vanilla latte during my shift.

4. Waking Up for Early Classes

Waking up in general was a struggle, even during the weekends (if you know what I mean). During fall semester of freshmen year, I had an early morning class that later in the semester became the death of me. I began to wonder how I managed to wake up early for the past 12 years of my life. Never again did or will I register for an early class. Another struggle would be waking up late and having no time to grab a cup of coffee.

5. Waiting In Line for Coffee

Is it just me or do you guys get that worried feeling of being late to class when you’re lining up for coffee? It’s my drug, I really need it though but must I be late to class? Then, I start looking at the front of the line to see how fast it’s moving.

6. Registration

Seriously though, registering for classes is the most stressful thing ever. Some of the classes you want will either be full or held at the same time as your other classes. It’s stressful especially when it’s a required class. The sad thing is there’s no other way to go around it.

7. Feeling Like I Always Have To Do Something

Friday/Saturday nights: I feel like I should always go out and party or something (and not be lame, you know). Even eating breakfast/lunch/dinner. It feels like a chore to be doing something all the time.

8. Adapting to a Different Place/Climate

Coming from an 80-90 degree weather all year long, I had to adapt to Portland’s climate, which was very hard by the way, considering I had no winter/fall clothes, just summer clothes. Not to mention, I had to learn how to work the bus system to get to places. I didn’t even know how to use Google maps when I got here (I’m an expert navigator now though).

9. Homesickness

Another big struggle I experienced in college was homesickness. I missed my home, family, and friends a lot. It was like a battle.

10. Library

We’re no University of Oregon with four or so libraries, plus probably a million study rooms – University of Portland only has one library and a couple study rooms. Both get so full during midterms/finals week that there is no place to study. During finals week, I literally spend majority of my time and all of my free time in the library studying until I get kicked out.

11. Having to Eat the Same Food Again

I didn’t want to spend too much cash on food deliveries, plus I have meal points to keep me full; but man do I get tired of eating the same food every single day. “Should I eat a salad, chicken strips, or pizza … again?” Actually I'll eat Top Ramen.

... and running out of meal points...

During my freshmen year, I had no problem with meal points at all since I chose the second highest plan. I also had some leftovers. Nevertheless, during my sophomore year, I chose the lowest meal plan to save money and I ran out instantly. I had to mooch off of other people’s meal points. Let’s just see how it plays out next year, now that I live off campus with no meal plan.

12. Want to Be Fit and Healthy? Good Luck.

I find it really hard to find time to go to the gym. It’s either I’m working, studying, or in class. Most times, I have no motivation to move due to the comfortability of my bed. Ultimately, I love food. I can’t keep eating an apple/banana for breakfast and a salad for lunch/dinner every single day. However, I do try my best to find time and work out for at least 30 minutes a day. I just don’t have the guts and commitment to eat healthy.

These are some of the struggles I have encountered in college, which I somehow managed to survive. I’m simply letting you know that you're not alone in this. You can do it! Let that piece of paper you receive on graduation be your motivation ... I guess.