Being a college student involves a lot of responsibilities. Along with working hard to be a successful student, and eventually, a professional, this is the premier time to build your social network and truly realize what your passions are in life. The problem that seems to be prevalent in this situation is maintaining the delicate balance between work and play. This week, I want to share some general advice about priorities, education and the interplay between having fun and making the grade.
College provides a wonderful environment to grow as a person, and also presents a plethora of extracurricular activities. From dance teams to community service groups, a college student has exposure to all sorts of fun and innovative activities, which often seem so much more interesting than a 10-page English paper due at the end of the week.
Distractions are obstacles students face on a day-to-day basis. Yes, this is the most exciting time of your life, and yes, there’s a lot out there to experience. But, to be successful, you should always maintain that delicate balance between obligations. Getting attached to anything to the point where it is pulling you away from your career or educational path is unhealthy and often detrimental in the long run. Sort out your priorities and make sure education is on the top of the list. You are, first and foremost, a student.
Although it is essential to enjoy a certain amount fun and relaxation, never let that obscure your priorities. No matter how much you love being a dancer or volunteering at the local animal shelter, it is crucial you realize the importance of dedication and concentration toward your studies. You’re not paying tuition to hang out with your buddies, and you’re not doing hours of research and studying to improve your Salsa routine.
If anything is hindering your focus from your central goal, it is in your favor to distance yourself from it. I’m not saying kick your extracurricular activities to the curb, just give them a back seat when they are competing with your priorities. My grandmother would say, “You are a student. Your education should be the only thing on your mind. This is your age to focus on one thing, and one thing alone: your future.”
I like to believe I follow her advice — and I pass it on to you. As the future approaches, we will be facing more and more priorities. So today, when our major priority is education, we must give it its due respect. If that means going to yoga class only once a week or giving up a wild night on the town to study harder for a midterm, then make the sacrifice. That extra hour of hitting the books will pay off, and you will feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that you gave it your all. As summer session midterms approach, good luck to everyone and remember that in the long run, your success will be worth it.
