There may come a time in your four years of college that you lose your drive. The classes that are required of you dry you out. Your Monday/Wednesdays and Tuesday/Thursdays become all too routine. You turn to those around you to lift you up out of this slump but all that results in is a fraternity party and an anti-productive hangover the next day, worse than before. But you pick yourself up with an Advil and PowerAde and start the cycle again…if you can make it to your 9am.

At college, alcohol and socialization seem like the only escape. But it is important to realize, alcoholic substance is only a temporary fix. Real substance is the cure. If you’re not resonating with your classes, you must find that resonation elsewhere. Resonating means that you’re aligned with your purpose or passion. And that is a beautiful thing. You have found direction, the “north” on your compass. Don’t allow yourself to become stagnant. Real happiness can only stem from a passion of yours.

Some of us take trips to Vegas or spend the weekend at a music festival to break out of this slump. This will only satisfy you if you’re following your own compass and fulfilling your own passion of adventure or music. It won’t work if you’re chasing social status or Instagram likes. Spring break in Cabo isn’t always the right form of rejuvenation.

Being a broke college student is no excuse. I have to remind myself that money isn’t always the answer. It rarely is. The kid blowing his parent’s money on a table in Vegas is probably far less fulfilled than the aspiring writer at a coffee shop sending her journaling to her dream publication.

Don't look to other's around you to get you on the right path. Only you can find your "north." Seek out those passions and hold onto them.