For most people, one’s ultimate dream is usually career-related. Daily, college students struggle with career choices, drastically changing their lives because of something as insignificant as a bad grade on a test in Organic Chemistry. This is a reminder to not give up on your dreams, because down the road, most people hold lifelong regrets regarding careers.

The first thing that needs to be a static trait in your life is discipline with balance. Set aside a time goals for studying. Don’t study halfheartedly. Sports teach you that practice with repetition is the biggest key to achieving excellence. Bring those habits into studying for an exam, and it will result in success. When you set aside time to go out with your friends for a drink, actually be with your friends. Put that exam on Monday in the back of your head for the night. You have time set aside for Saturday to study, that’s your time to fully invest in studying and now is your time to party.

Next, stop worrying about what other people do. Ignore social media. When you accomplish something great, be humble about it. Actions speak louder than words, and your accomplishments will be heard without you having to boast a single word.

Finally, be well-rounded. Being well-rounded will help you accomplish your dreams even if you are not the absolute best of your competition. When giving a resume, of course your interviewer is going to care about the requirements that need to be met for the job or school you are going for. However, what catches their attention and sets you apart from others is that you volunteer every week at the soup kitchen or you hold the gym’s record for the dead-lift. Being well-rounded is also a form of taking care of your mind and body. Taking care of yourself and paying attention to the well-being of others reminds you that you and your goals are worth it, and that you are making a difference.

As a college student, there is change you need to fully embrace but you also need to stay true to yourself. Having goals and a moral compass is extremely important; most college students lose sight of this. Think before you act to change your life and be disciplined in what you choose to do.

In the words of Tyra Banks that every college student should take to heart, “I was rooting for you; we were all rooting for you! How dare you! Learn something from this! When you go to bed at night, you lay there and you take responsibility for yourself—because nobody's going to take responsibility for you. You're rolling your eyes and you act like it's because you've heard it all before—you've heard it all before—you don't know where the hell I come from. You have no idea what I've been through, but I'm not a victim; I grow from it and I learn. Take responsibility for yourself!”