As we dive into a new academic year, one of the hardest parts is readjusting to the study grind after the summer. Whether summer means hanging out with friends, taking courses, or working a job, it is always nice to be back on-campus filled with the chatter of students and belonging in a community where friends are just a walk away.
Since I am going into my sophomore year, I want to highlight time management and commitment to extracurriculars. Most first-generation students, myself included, always feel the urge to join more or do more. However, I have come to realize that the quantity of activities that a person does not necessarily equal a successful product in all of the activities. When I was involved in so much, I found it particularly difficult to stay on top of each activity because my time was being distributed out to numerous projects and I was not using my full potential for each.
So here’s my best advice: it’s okay to take a deep breath and take a step back.
I understand that it may be difficult at first to not feel the dying urge to join everything, but I promise that life will be so much better with lower stress levels and a community of friends.