College is often dubbed “the best years of your life” as it is filled with personal freedom, growth, and discovery. Although college brings you amazing memories and provides you the chance to learn a lot about who you are, the overall experience can be very draining and tough.
For many of us, college is the first time we are away from the only thing we’ve ever known for the first eighteen years of our life. When we go away, we are expected to live our lives in our own way, which can be overwhelming for anyone, whether you are freshly eighteen or a forty year old adult. The pressure of college can have an adverse affect on even the most prepared and put together personality, so it’s very important to take care of yourself and know that success doesn’t have to mean perfection.
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In the world of college, one of the hardest truths I’ve had to accept throughout my time is that everyone’s college experience is different. When I first arrived in college, I thought I was the most put together and prepared I could have ever been, which allowed me to have the mindset of being the staple college student that everyone wants to be. As I progressed throughout the years, I realized that there are so many different ways to do college. Some people show up with a full ride scholarship, while others take out loans due to financial stress. Some people have an amazing support system, while others carry emotional baggage. Some graduate on the usual four-year plan, while others graduate earlier or later. In college, I learned that nobody is on an even playing field and that it’s ok to walk a different walk than anyone else.
My college thus far has been anything from a “normal” experience. There have been many ups and downs. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the person I want to be through the experiences I have had, the difficulties I have faced, and the lessons I have learned and will continue to learn as I go into my final year.
When I first started college, I went into it thinking it was all about making friends and prioritizing getting the best grades possible. Although I knew there were more factors that went into college, I always thought that those were the two things that carry your college experience. I also knew that college would be physically and mentally draining, but not the extent to which I’ve experienced throughout the years.
As I reflect on the three years I’ve been in college, I look back on all the times I felt fatigued and exhausted, simply due to the lack of sleep I was getting, the minimal movement and exercise I was doing, and not fueling myself with nutritious foods and water. Because of the demanding nature that comes with college, in large part of the academic stressors, I’ve realized that by not prioritizing these things affected both my mind and body alike. If I didn’t get enough sleep, my focus throughout the day suffered. If I didn’t take the time to go on walks or exercise consistently, my body felt stiff. If I didn’t eat properly, my energy throughout the day would decline.
College is more than academics and social life. It’s a journey of learning how to take care of your whole self. As I enter my final year, I’ve learned that real success in college isn’t about perfection, but about balance, resilience, and gaining self-worth. Whatever you do, what your college life brings you, it’s important to recognize that you should be proud of who you are and the accomplishments you have and will continue to do.
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By: Yamilia Ford
Yamilia Ford is a rising senior at Pace University with a major in business management and three minors in journalism, creative writing, and film studies. Her passion for writing allows her to inspire through her own creative lens, giving people the opportunity to relate to her.
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Tags: academics, college life, self-care