The best thing about being in college is the independence that comes with it. As much as I love my familia loca and the Sazón seasoned food that they cook with amor, it feels so great to have some space from them. Just like many Latino families, they can be overly strict and judgemental–which at times is extremely annoying. And even though I didn’t have the best roommate situation once I got to school, it taught me how to deal with my own issues. I can genuinely say that I feel so much more like an adult and I deal with stress much more efficiently.
Since I dreaded being in my dorm room, I would barely spend time there. Other than wanting to get away from my roommates, I also wanted to explore NYU and find my study niches that would have the potential to become my procrastination and cooling sites. Ironically, the best place I found was a place right in my residential building. I found the library too crowded and other places not private enough. The quiet zone in Rubin Hall, my favorite studying place, had the individual desks with rollable walls. It was perfect to study in, make faces without anyone staring at me, become 100% comfortable, relieve stress, and most importantly, escape from anything and anyone. Once one has their niche in college, everything seems much easier and you can maintain faith that college is doable.
Another way I fulfill my independence at NYU is by going to Kmart. I know that Target and Walmart are on everyone’s preferred list on super shopping, but I literally live for Kmart. Not only do NYU students barely shop there, making it perfect for me to escape from the college environment, but I also get everything there for free. I am proud to be a Kmart/Shop your Way member. I am a student and it is crucial for me to seek all the discounts I can get. I can shop there for hours, take time out for me, all while leaving with free items.
When you’re independent, you focus on your mental health a lot more. Starting my own blog was one way that I genuinely became happier. After being persuaded by a few peers and giving a presentation about the lack of underrepresented voices in the media, I finally took the initiative to start my own blog. I went a while not having an audience and I can gladly and gratefully say that I have a small one now. Additionally, blogging allows me to say what I want in an unfiltered tone. Blogging allows me to illuminate my current feelings onto a site that is completely under my control. My blogs are a reflection of me, and rereading them makes me proud of the person I am. After hearing from my professor that writing daily leads to happiness, I wanted to take advantage of that. Although I don’t write daily, I can say for sure that I am a much happier person now that I write more often.
image credit: https://middleseats.com/2017/01/20/be-mindful/
In my eyes, being independent in college means finding your physical comfort zone similar to Woolf’s vision of having a room of one’s own. Relieving stress and finding independence as a student is about finding your escape and that can include anything–like blogging! The majority of the time, you only have yourself to depend on, so, keeping your sanity while being alone goes a long way in adulthood.
By Tiana B.
Tiana is a sophomore at NYU concentrating on journalism and creative writing. She seeks to display the representation of African Americans and Latinos by providing her own experiences and illuminating marginalized issues in her own writing. When she’s free from her stressful college life, she likes to listen to rap music, binge watch on anime, splurge on Kmart deals, and cook her Hispanic cuisines. Tiana also runs another blog called True T which also highlights not only her personal experiences, but her genuine and unfiltered opinions on today’s matters.
For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.
At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.
