Summer is officially over. Classes have started, and we are forced to get back into the swing of things. If you are anything like me, this may be a difficult transition. Over the past few months, many of us became accustomed to week-long vacations, unhealthy amounts of Netflix time, and homework-free evenings, but now we are back to juggling classes, homework, sports, jobs, internships, and our social lives. A few days after moving back to campus, my roommate and I decided to make a list of things that were most important for us to focus on for the upcoming school year. We figured this would guide us and help us get back into the groove. If you find yourself struggling with the back-to-school transition, I encourage you to follow this list or even take a few minutes to create a list of your own!
As always, school work and grades should be your top priority. Sure it may be tempting to go out to your cousin's friend's twenty-first birthday party on a Wednesday when you have a calculus exam the next day, but I can promise you it's not worth it. It's one night. There will always be another party, but there won't always be an opportunity to make up your exam. You're here to get a degree, so make wise decisions!
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Get a job or an internship! Start to broaden your horizons, get experience, and go that extra mile. You can continue to make up excuses about how you don't have time, or you can get off your butt and take action. There are plenty of jobs on campus, and if you haven't already, you should make an ePACK account. NC State does a great job of helping match students with jobs or internships that correspond with their major or interests!
Stay Active. And no...walking to class once a week does not count. It's so easy to get caught up in your routine that you forget to take care of yourself. Try to add regular exercise to your routine- attend regular workout classes or make a schedule with your roommate who will motivate you, because it's a lot easier when you have someone by your side to encourage you.
Build strong relationships. I don't just mean with a significant other, but with everyone around you. The people you meet in college will oftentimes be the same people sitting at your wedding, so be kind. Go out of your way to offer advice where you can, practice working as part of a team and pick your friend up from that party even after you already got in bed.
But most importantly, do what makes you happy. College comes with a lot of pressure and anxiety, but you need to make sure you're keeping your sanity in check. While it's important to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, it's more important to find the right balance. If you ever feel overwhelmed, whether it be with classes or just life in general, know that you are not alone. NC State has a counseling center with helpful services ranging from personal counseling to career counseling. Your college years will always have their ups and downs, but if something is making you unhappy more often than it makes you happy, it has to go. One of my favorite sayings is "we either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”
So, go out there and make this school year the best year yet! I believe in you!
