I can remember getting ready to come to college, and having everyone tell me to get involved, and how it was such an important part of the college experience. I was constantly encouraged to go out and meet people, leave my mark on campus, and do something meaningful with my college years. I definitely took this advice, getting involved my freshman year with several organizations, and I'm so thankful that I did. I met so many amazing people and made wonderful memories. As the end of freshman year approached, I figured that adding a few more activities wouldn't hurt. I accepted a leadership position, and joined a few more organizations, thinking nothing of it.
Now let's flash forward to sophomore year. I was in the second year of a masters program in health sciences, involved in three academic clubs, two faith-sharing groups, and two extracurricular groups, one of them which I was the president of. Not to mention balancing all of that with hanging out with friends and taking care of myself and my well-being. I was seriously falling behind. I was trying my best to balance everything, but I couldn't help but feel stretched thin.
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Despite this, I kept plugging along and doing my best, but I began to realize something: I wasn't happy. Where was the happy girl who woke up every morning excited for the day? the one who eagerly did schoolwork yet always had time for friends and family? Without even noticing, I had turned into a person I didn't even recognize. I was so absorbed in all of my activities and my efforts to keep up with everything I was involved in that everything else in my life was being extremely neglected. I was losing control.
Looking back now, I wish that I could have realized sooner what was happening. If only I could have noticed how far I had fallen earlier, rather then realizing only as I was crying nonstop on my apartment floor, feeling more overwhelmed and numb than ever before. I had been pushed to my breaking point, and more than ever, I needed people. Being the stubborn human that I am, I had pushed so many people away because I was so certain that I could handle it all on my own. But sitting there on the floor, shaking uncontrollably from the unbearable weight of it all, I realized that it was okay to ask for help, and so I did. I began to rely on my friends and family when I couldn’t do it alone. I slowly taught myself to say no to certain opportunities, and I reminded myself that I’m only one person, and that I can’t do everything. And very slowly, through giving up certain activities, I began to regain myself.
I definitely think it’s good to get involved. In fact, coming from experience, I highly encourage it. If I had never gotten involved on campus, I never would have met all of the wonderful people who have now become such an important part of my life. But I would also argue from experience that there is such a thing as getting too involved, and so busy that you run yourself ragged. When it gets to that, how much are you really enjoying your involvement? The point I’m trying to make is that you need to know where the dividing line is so that you don’t cross over into the deep end. Also, learn to lean on your friends, your people. They’ll help you cross back over to the calm waters when you’re struggling, and that truly makes all the difference. My final word of advice to you is this: get involved, but don’t overdo it. Don’t be afraid to say no to certain things and give yourself time to breathe and take a break. And lastly, don’t get so involved that you start to lose yourself in the process, because believe me, it’s really not worth it.
