As a student and Resident Assistant, I’ve seen a lot of people who are feeling the stress of the semester right now. Whenever I’m going through the varying emotions of the stressful Collegiette’s life, I try and find that perfect mix of music and lyrics that makes me say, “That’s my life!” For right now, I have found The Beatles.
“When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody’s help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I’m not so self-assured,
Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors.”
When we were young, even during high school, it’s no secret that times were much easier than they are now. Back then, we didn’t realize we would actually have to study for exams and put more effort into our homework and essays. As the song so eloquently puts it, “those days are gone,” and we don’t feel so confident in the way we used to study or write papers. We’ve realized that our actions need to be revamped. We’ve opened our minds to make those changes that will make us successful.
“Help me if you can, I’m feeling down,
And I do appreciate you being ‘round.
Help me get my feet back on the ground.
Won’t you please, please help me?”
This is where a lot of us are right now in the semester. We’re feeling pretty low, and we feel like we’re only falling lower. We want to go home. We need our friends and family to help us get back on our feet again. We are asking for help from anyone.
“And now my life has changed in oh so many ways.
My independence seems to vanish in the haze,
But every now and then I feel so insecure,
I know that I just need you like I’ve never done before.”
While we were still at home, living with our parents, many of us couldn’t wait to be out of the house, living independently. Well, here we are, and life has changed. You’re out on your own, you have to get a job to have money for food and gas, and you are so ready to go home, but you can’t because you’re busy just trying to get by. Now you may find yourself wishing for those days back at home with Mom and Dad, back when you didn’t have to pay for everything.
If this description is bearing some serious resemblance to your life, and you’re now playing “Help!” on repeat, take heart! This period of the semester will pass soon, and you’ll be able to relax again. In the meantime, remember to take some time for yourself, talk to your friends, take a late night goofy trip to Wal-Mart, road trip to Taco Bell in Elkins, pray for strength, listen to your favorite music, and do whatever you have to do to get by! Remember that this is an exciting time in our lives. Remember that you are not alone. We’re all in this together, and we can do it!