As a senior in college, I realize how much I’ve changed and grown as a person in the past four years at JMU. While that is a complete cliché, I find it to be highly true! I remember people constantly giving me the same advice as I’m about to tell you, but I either pushed it aside or did not take anyone seriously. I figured it was my life and I would lead it how I wanted.
I went from the good girl following the rules, to wanting to break them, to now wanting to find a happy medium and successful point in my life before I leave this campus. In my senior year, I am listening to these words rattling in my head, slowly obeying these bits of advice, which I know will be a benefit in the future. After all, we can’t all be Superwoman!
Prioritize. Learn to say no.
As a freshman, I wanted to be involved in EVERYTHING. Since I didn’t know anyone when I first stepped on to campus, I wanted to meet a lot of different people and have something to do every night so I wouldn’t feel homesick. I took on two majors and a minor, holding 18-19 credit loads every semester. I added a part-time job, as well as an internship one semester. I always said yes when someone asked me to stay later at my job, and took extra shifts. Now I have slowly weeded out my organizations to ones I truly love and only work when I am actually able. If I want to go home for a weekend or have a lot of homework, I say I can’t work. Do what you want to do.
Don’t regret saying no.
As you say no, do not regret your decision. Hopefully the majority of your saying no won’t be just because you are lazy. Your favorite band is in town? Go. You wanted to catch up with someone you haven’t seen in awhile? Meet. Some things can wait. Be confident in yourself and take a break from your hectic college lifestyle. Focus on the things that are really important to you and roll with it.
Walk your own path, not society’s.
We read countless articles and take a bunch of quizzes telling us what we are or how we should live. We are told we must find our perfect man and not settle for less. We are told we must have a good GPA to get a job. No one is perfect and no one has the set life everyone else says you should lead. Do not believe everything you see and hear. If something sounds right to you, then follow it. But do not follow something just because everyone else is. We are all unique individuals and society is not always right.
Look outside the box.
While applying for jobs, you have to write everything you’ve learned on one piece of paper and tell your future employer the skills you can bring to the company. Some jobs, however, encourage additional experience toward certain subjects. They want to be able to have different standpoints and opinions. Other jobs don’t worry about the amount of experience you have–they want you to learn as you go and find other interests within your own company. If you’re a media or writing major, consider consulting companies, IT firms, or health care systems. Everyone needs good writers, creative minds, and advertisers.
You’re not designed for everyone to like you.
I know women in general (especially me) commonly feel that they have to be liked by everyone. If I mess up, I apologize profusely and ask for forgiveness. I never enjoyed when people were against me, and I tried too hard to fix relationships that weren’t meant to be fixed. I am slowly learning that it is nearly impossible for everyone to like you and to not change yourself for one person. As Eminem says, “You’ve got enemies? Good. That means you actually stood up for something in your life.” Be confident in who you are, and do not worry about what others think.
Please be aware none of this says to slack. College is about finding yourself, your passions, and what you want to do. Find your perfect balance and just enjoy life!