1. “How’s school going?”
Everyone’s go-to answer is “it’s good.” But what we really want to say is that we haven’t gotten more than 20 hours of sleep in the past week, we’ve considered dropping out of school about 10 times due to stress and that we really don’t want to do this “adult” thing anymore.
2. “Are you going to make Dean’s List?”
For some, this answer is an easy “yes” because they are just naturally good at school. For others, the answer is an unconvincing “maybe.” For the people that completely struggle in school it will be a straight-up “no.” This question only serves to add stress to students because they don’t want to let the person who is asking down.
3. “How are your classes?”
No one enjoys every class that they are required to take in college. Most college students can agree that classes are just “okay” most of the time. Some courses are easy while others are extremely challenging, just like how some professors are nice and funny while others have no personality whatsoever…but that’s just part of the “college experience.”
4. “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend yet?”
The answer is “no” regardless of if you are on the verge of a relationship or are the furthest point away from having a relationship with anyone. Between going to classes, maintaining your grades, having a social life, keeping up on sleep and balancing internships/jobs, you just don’t have time to add another person into the equation. Saying “no” is the easiest way to change the subject.
5. “Have you looked for internships/jobs yet?”
“You get hired if you are experienced.” If I had a dollar for every time I have heard someone say this phrase I would actually be rich. Every semester more and more stress is put on getting internships and looking for jobs in your field. Something that people don’t consider is that being a poor college student is a real thing. Most internships don’t pay interns and therefore that person will be even more poor. It is still acceptable to be working every summer at your high school job; internships can wait a little bit. Yes, at some point every student has looked into internships or jobs. It’s okay if you haven’t taken the initiative yet or are waiting to shadow other people in the field first before settling for an internship!