Fall semester is almost upon us. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of possibility that comes with moving into your new dorm room or apartment and being back on campus, only to come crashing back down to reality once syllabus week is over and you're drowning in assignments and jobs and extracurricular activities. Whether you're a freshman who's trying to adjust to the newfound freedom of college, a sophomore in danger of getting caught in the dreaded "sophomore slump," or an upperclassman who can taste graduation on the tip of your tongue, I hope these quotes and affirmations will provide you with inspiration to make it through the semester (relatively) unscathed.
1. "Decide what to be and go be it." –The Avett Brothers
This list wouldn't be complete without a lyric from my favorite band. Sometimes, we can over-complicate things, especially things like choosing a major or a career. This quote serves as a reminder that following your heart is actually a pretty simple idea. Find something you're passionate about and pursue it relentlessly.
2. "Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." –J.K. Rowling
This quote from Queen Rowling herself reminds me that, sometimes, you have to be fearless in asking for or going after something you want.
3. "Above all, try something." –Franklin D. Roosevelt
Sometimes, you just have to try something and hope it works.
4. "Do work that you are proud of with your talented friends." –Amy Poehler
This one is pretty self-explanatory. I'm a music major, and music is a collaborative field, so I find myself returning to this quote often.
5. "Read books. Care about things. Get excited. Try not to be too down on yourself. Enjoy the ever-present game of knowing." –Hank Green
We live in a world where it's considered uncool to be unironically excited about anything, but guess what? You're allowed to be excited about things that interest you. Remember to pick up a book and read for pleasure every once in a while. The purpose of college is to get an education, so try to actually enjoy learning about the world around you.
6. "You are enough. You are so enough. It is unbelievable how enough you are." –Sierra Boggess
You'll face a lot of rejection in college, whether it's getting shot down by your crush after finally plucking up the courage to ask them out, failing that paper that you were sure you aced, or having a horrible voice lesson even though you practiced your rep for hours. It's so important to remember that you are enough exactly as you are. You don't have to prove your worth to anyone else.
7. "Sit down. Shut up. Drink some coffee. You are going to be fine."
Maybe you have two tests every day and a huge paper due at the end of the week. Maybe it's tech week for the opera, and you've been at the theater until midnight every night. Maybe, for whatever reason, life and school and relationships are all just overwhelming this week. It's going to be OK. Take a few deep breaths, make some coffee, and just get stuff done.
8. "Do more with less."
Living on a college budget can be difficult, but you'll learn how to manage. Do some research on how to get the most out of the limited things you have.
9. "Shake it off." –Taylor Swift
As Taylor Swift reminds us, sometimes you just have to shake it off.
