College student. Noun. An 18 to 22-year-old, sleep-deprived zombie-human who attends a four-year school, typically away from home, and is forced to adapt extremely quickly to time-sensitive situations such as finishing hours of homework while running on two hours of sleep with a cup of Starbucks in-hand, or being on-time to class (because teachers think that is possible) while also trying to enjoy his or her experience, yet having to study during each hour in between.

Welcome to college.

To those of you who aren’t old enough to relate, don’t worry just yet. College can and is fun if you do it the right way. But, young ones, let me ask you a question: what is the most talked-about myth of college? The Freshman 15.

It is unhealthy for any person to run on two hours of sleep or add 14 shots of espresso to a coffee drink. But, that’s what happens to us. We, as students, get caught up in the required tasks of each day. And since we don’t have the sense of prioritizing yet, we can easily fall into the traps of stress, procrastination, and a loss of desire to achieve personal everyday goals.

I have a love/hate relationship with The Freshman 15. While gaining 15 pounds during college can happen, I don’t believe it happens as much as one would believe. During the first few weeks of being a college freshman, typically one doesn’t know what to do. College has so many options: numerous food options, a limitless number of Dining Dollars, and all the time in the world to sleep. These weeks of uncertainty can add a little unnecessary weight to one’s load, but it wears off. Once the freshman gets into routine, everything should go back to normal.

As for those who have changed the way they look a little since college, don’t hate on them. Don’t make fun of them or bring them down. Have you been to college? If not, you have no idea what it’s like. If you have, remember your days as a stressed-out student. I know they happened. You can’t leave college without being stressed at least once.

I can successfully say that I escaped The Freshman 15. As I gym fanatic, ever since the first day of college, I have kept my fitness in check. I go between three to five times a week and I have never felt better. Not only is the gym a way to stay healthy, but it is also a great stress reliever.

Like I said, being in college is very fun. As a college sophomore, I believe I have taught myself to manage my time very well by being able to finish my work earlier than an hour before its due date, making time for the gym, studying for at least an hour or two every day, spending time with my sorority sisters, and finding time to relax and write articles such as the one you’re reading. So, don’t let The Freshman 15 get in your way—get in its way. Show everyone who’s boss.