The hardest thing about college is being surrounded by people who complain. Period.

I mean yes, we have countless hours of studying and homework; hundreds of papers to write and books to read; never-ending schedules, trying to balance class and work and any other activity we are involved in. We stress about how we are going to pay back student loans and then have a mental break down because we don't know what we want to do with our life.

College is hard; but being surrounded by other students who complain 24/7 is hands down the hardest part about college, and let me tell you why.

We Chose To Go To College. Everything that you complain about, you chose to take on. You chose to take on the challenge of balancing school and work and life. You chose to take on the challenge of not sleeping because you forgot to write a paper that's due the next morning (but that's more of just procrastination and irresponsibility). Everything that you complain about, you chose. So stop complaining.

It Becomes Contagious. After a long day, I could still be in a great mood because why not?! Life is still good, I am enjoying and making the most out of my college experience. But then I go to work and another student makes a comment about how much they hate so and so professor. Or how much work they have to do and their life is ending. It's okay, you politely ignore them and get your work done. Then you go to class and your friend is complaining about their coach or teammates. Or maybe they are throwing a fit about an assignment we just finished. Now you're starting to agree with them about how much this class actually sucks. You go home and your roommates are having a breakdown about how they work too much and can't pay for tuition even though they just bought all new clothes. So you guys sit all night and think about every way your life sucks. Don't get me wrong, sometimes you do need a vent session with your roommates or best friends, but when you complain 24/7, it becomes part of your everyday routine. They say that joy is contagious; smiles and laughter are contagious. But so is self pity and complaining. So be cautious of who you surround yourself with because they will rub off on you.

As the school year begins, you have a choice. A choice to join in and complain or to look past the bad things and focus on the good. I promise that your college experience will be miserable if you choose to join in and complain. So why not make the decision as you go into this year to let the negative things go and focus on the positive. To find a reason to smile everyday and not waste your breath on complaining about things that don't really matter. To not exaggerate your hardships and help others focus on the good things happening. Because positivity is also contagious and I know you'll have a much better year all around when you shift your focus.