In the crazy first few weeks of class, it can be insane trying to balance everything again. There are parties to attend, organizations to check out, and of course, mountains of homework and syllabi to look over. When you're feeling stressed and you find yourself already pulling those all-nighters and worrying about how you'll get through the year, always, always, always remember to take care of yourself before anything else. I decided a long time ago that my grades do not define me, and this has allowed me to both do well in school, and find amazing opportunities that an A on a test will never grant me. Life is worth so much more than getting good grades, and here’s why.
1. Employers Won’t Know
While having perfect grades certainly has the possibility of opening up more opportunities, what most employers are really looking for in a job candidate is relevant work experience. Getting involved in things like internships, summer jobs, and clubs that relate to the field you want to work in, is crucial in today’s society. If being involved in these things cuts into your studying time, just think -- you can’t put down your test scores on a resume.
2. You'll have more time for internships
Like I said, job experiences related to your field are the most valuable assets you can have when you get out into the workforce and start looking for a full-time job post college. If you're too busy working on getting a 4.0 to put down your textbook and look for some experience, chances are you'll fall flat going up against other possible job candidates.
3. You can network more
Along with getting internships, meeting people who can help further your career is a fantastic way (and sometimes the only way in today's competitive market) to land your dream job straight out of college. In between studying, spend some time polishing your LinkedIn profile, or go to a University event you know you can network at, or spend some time helping out a favorite professor to see if there's anything you can work with them on. People are willing to help you when you've made lasting connections with them.
4. You'll have a better support system
Going out to study, like finding a quiet place in the library or a comfy chair at a coffee shop, is a great way to get out an meet people, but that requires you to actually put your work down for a minute or two and make conversation. This will inevitably lead to more friends, and more people who are going to be able to help you out when classes (and life) get hard, so put down the book and talk to people!
5. You'll be less stressed
Mental health is a huge problem all throughout colleges across the nation, and it's not surprising given how stressful classes and schoolwork can be. If you feel like you're drowning in a sea of textbooks and notes, it's okay to take a break now and then. You won't be performing your best if you're struggling just to make it through the day.
Yes, your grades are important, but so is your happiness! College is full of so many opportunities that have nothing to due with your GPA. Once you let go of needing that 4.0, you can experience so many more amazing things.
