Things in my life have been a little crazy as of late and I’ve been seeking out comfort and encouragement in the form of Google search results.
As I sat in the glow of my computer monitor on yet another late-night homework session, I typed in something to the effect of “college encouragement” and pushed my assigned readings off to the side as the results of my search poured in. One caught my eye: “40 Things Every College Girl Needs to Be Reminded Once in a While” from Thought Catalog. Due to the nature of the website, I clicked the link more out of curiosity than anything else, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.
I wanted to share a couple of my favorite “reminders” from the list in the hopes that they might help others struggling as we enter the last month of fall semester:
-
“College wouldn’t be college if you got 8 hours of sleep every night. Embrace being tired, it means you’re doing something right.”
The late-night, homework-swamped version of me drinking her seventh cup of coffee isn’t a fan of this statement, but it does hold some truth. I believe that at least part of the college experience comes from the nights that we don’t get enough sleep, whether the reason for that is homework, Netflix binges or making weekly rounds on Court Street. This year in particular, I have been lucky to get an acceptable amount of sleep two nights out of the week. I’ve sacrificed many of my “free nights” to go out with friends, only to have to get up early the next morning for other obligations. Never once have I felt that my lack of sleep wasn’t worth it.
-
“If you’ve fallen behind in a class, you’re not doomed. Focus, organize, and get back on track.”
I have been overhearing many of my classmates expressing concern and panic over having low grades in their classes. As we inch closer to week 12, it’s not too late to salvage a class you might not have been keeping up with well enough. You don’t have an over-abundance of time, but you do have time. Do your assigned work, study a little harder for your remaining tests and ask for help if you think that you need it. It’s better to do so now rather than waiting until right before the final exam.
And finally:
-
“Do not minimize what a privilege college is. Many people who are capable to be where you are can’t get there for a variety of reasons. Respect your opportunities."
This one speaks for itself. You have the privilege to spend four — or more — years at on one of the most beautiful campuses in Ohio. You are earning an education that others might not be able to for one reason or another, and making connections through professors and organizations that can benefit you later in your respective careers.
As hard as it is, be thankful for the workload you’re given. Embrace the lack of sleep. Grab another cup of coffee and take advantage of your presence here.
Olivia Hupp is a senior studying English literature and creative writing. Email her at oh994610@ohio.edu
