How does one define “college?” My definition looks something like this: Col*lege (kol’ij), n. 1. chaos, stress, madness, disorder, difficulty, delirium, overbearing, tedious, malicious, HPER Building so far away, never ending, USE caution, monotonous, extreme, manic, exciting, agitating. 2. examinations, textbooks, long-distance walking, cardiac arrest, bad cafeteria food, piles of homework, so many classes, hot men, parking, parking tickets, jobs, bills, responsibilities, friends, dating, family, limited existence. 3. AHHHHHHHH! HELP! WHEN DOES IT ALL END?? I HAVE NO LIFE! STOP THE INSANITY!!
Exaggerated a bit? Perhaps. But all students know that manic feeling?the one that seems to boil over and intimidate them as the Fall Semester nears its end. As a college student in the 21st century, it is arduous and difficult to balance the pressures of college academics with a personal life. Life in the fast lane begins when you sign up for a full-time college education, and it doesn’t end until you are old, retired, lacking fuel or pushing up daisies. Whining about the difficulties of a college education is pointless. The challenges of a successful life include a hefty amount of education. In order to enhance our lives, we must find the right recipe for each day’s activities by blending essential ingredients that contribute to a healthy, intelligent and prosperous life.
It seems like college is just work, work and more work. When does relaxation come in? The majority of U students are enrolled full time. This means most of us are taking four or more core curriculum classes day in and day out. This is a tremendous responsibility requiring dedicated attendance, homework and examinations for five months at a time. Breaks are hard won. One would think this torture alone would be justification enough to receive a rosy “A” on an official college transcript. However, nothing comes easily. Great things often require huge amounts of money, and college is definitely no exception.
Before you can earn college credit of any kind, you must pay huge tuition costs, in addition to books, lab fees, parking permits and school supplies?all the while trying to figure out how you will EVER get your finances in order again and put some money in the bank for other necessities of life.
It’s a never-ending struggle. Students are forced to decide whether they want to endure the trials of endless schoolwork while maintaining a job at the same time. One or the other seems reasonable, but for many, having both a job and school are requirements.
The majority of us get an education simply because we have to. Complaining is useless because college is essential for success. Suck it up, hit the books and go to work. The fact students are able to obtain a worthwhile education while holding down a job and other responsibilities is a testament to the wonders of human endurance.
As a U student, your typical day may look something like this: You arise at the crack of dawn, go to school and attend three to four classes each day. After jotting down a long list of homework assignments, you rush home to get ready for work, which will occupy your time for the next six to eight hours. After work, you come home, grab a bite to eat, shout a quick “hello” to your family or roommates and tackle the huge pile of homework you accrued during the day. You finish up late and are exhausted. Your bed beckons you. As your eyes close, you give thanks for the meager six sweet hours of sleep you will enjoy before it starts all over again.
It is often difficult to identify order amidst the chaos. Most of us manage to arrive at a precarious balance that keeps us from teetering over the edge of college extinction. Dedication and sacrifice beget success. Our efforts in college must reflect this attitude.
Like many college students, I have denied myself fun and entertainment in order to finish an assignment or to study for a test. Focused students rarely see their friends at all and turn all their attention to schoolwork. No matter what your situation may be, your personal list of priorities becomes a guiding life force. Most full-time students are willing to sacrifice relaxation and enjoyment in order to gain a college degree. They will do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal as quickly as possible. Those who consider family to be their first priority will find a way to include it in their daily lives coupled with a stressful college education.
If you want something badly enough and work hard enough for it, you can achieve anything. Today’s college students have extraordinary abilities, resources to succeed and GPAs to be proud of.
There are endless examples of frenzied college success. Hundreds of young single mothers have earned college degrees with very little money in their pockets, sustained full-time jobs, raised children and struggled with all the other stresses life creates. If they can do it, anyone can. Finding an appropriate balance between school and life is a strenuous and demanding process, yet it can be accomplished.
There are no easy answers, just our unbridled desire to succeed through hard work, dedication and persistence. These are the attributes that will lift us to the level of excellence we all aim for.
Shannon welcomes feedback at [email protected]. Send letters to the editor to [email protected].