A reflection on this college generation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

To The College Student 'Running Out Of Time'

A generation of students clamoring for guaranteed futures in a precariat age.

96
https://www.pexels.com/photo/accomplishment-ceremony-education-graduation-267885/
Pexels

There is this perception of college that I feel is entirely incorrect. While college is fun, it isn't this four-year blackout that adults idealistically remember through the nostalgia. Currently, many students have stress, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. It has always been a period of uncertainty, but in the past, it was always more of a temporary leave of absence from the real world; now, some current college students have more on their plate. Many are constantly holding up 40 hour weeks to combat the tidal wave of college debt that keeps rising, while others fight for a future with job security they see was not guaranteed after the recession of the past decade.

No matter what students are dealing with at home, or internally, many college students have the same feeling. That they are "running out of time." From perfecting resumes before a increasingly unknowable and unattainable security or perfecting the college experience and finding that future spouse, everyone has the impression that this is the only time that changes can be made in their lives freely.

But this, while a valid fear, is simply not true because of two factors. First, while it is important to remember time is not an unlimited quantity; it is impossible to do everything. Secondly, life does not end after your college cap and gown, like how every childlike aspect of your life did not die with you turned your tassel at your high school graduation.

Yes, the world is a scary, changing place, but the cool part of that is you can change with it. A degree is not a life path, and a resume is not an evaluation of worth. Just take in each moment but allow yourself to take a breath.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

28 Daily Thoughts of College Students

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

71
group of people sitting on bench near trees duting daytime

I know every college student has daily thoughts throughout their day. Whether you're walking on campus or attending class, we always have thoughts running a mile a minute through our heads. We may be wondering why we even showed up to class because we'd rather be sleeping, or when the professor announces that we have a test and you have an immediate panic attack.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Great Christmas Movie Debate

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

1356
The Great Christmas Movie Debate
Mental Floss

One staple of the Christmas season is sitting around the television watching a Christmas movie with family and friends. But of the seemingly hundreds of movies, which one is the star on the tree? Some share stories of Santa to children ("Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), others want to spread the Christmas joy to adults ("It's a Wonderful Life"), and a select few are made to get laughs ("Elf"). All good movies, but merely ornaments on the Christmas tree of the best movies. What tops the tree is a movie that bridges the gap between these three movies, and makes it a great watch for anyone who chooses to watch it. Enter the timeless Christmas classic, "A Christmas Story." Created in 1983, this movie holds the tradition of capturing both young and old eyes for 24 straight hours on its Christmas Day marathon. It gets the most coverage out of all holiday movies, but the sheer amount of times it's on television does not make it the greatest. Why is it,
then? A Christmas Story does not try to tell the tale of a Christmas miracle or use Christmas magic to move the story. What it does do though is tell the real story of Christmas. It is relatable and brings out the unmatched excitement of children on Christmas in everyone who watches. Every one becomes a child again when they watch "A Christmas Story."

Keep Reading...Show less
student thinking about finals in library
StableDiffusion

As this semester wraps up, students can’t help but be stressed about finals. After all, our GPAs depends on these grades! What student isn’t worrying about their finals right now? It’s “goodbye social life, hello library” time from now until the end of finals week.

1. Finals are weeks away, I’m sure I’ll be ready for them when they come.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas tree
Librarian Lavender

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my personal favorite holidays because of the Christmas traditions my family upholds generation after generation. After talking to a few of my friends at college, I realized that a lot of them don't really have "Christmas traditions" in their family, and I want to help change that. Here's a list of Christmas traditions that my family does, and anyone can incorporate into their family as well!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

2280
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments