A month after classes began at Kenyon College, most students have fallen into the humdrum of classes, exams, extracurriculars, grad school entrance exams, Greek life, etc.
In the midst of all of this, I read (in 24 hours) “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” When I finished the last page, I put the book down, looked around and realized that everyone at Kenyon — including myself — gave way too many f*cks.
It’s easy to be crushed when you get a C on a paper you worked so hard on, fail to score a goal at your soccer game. So many of us are too anxious to apply to that dream job, ask that person in your class out for a drink, drop out of that class we really don’t like, wear that risky outfit, etc..
What would our lives look like if we stopped giving a f*ck about things that don’t matter, and started getting to work on the things that do? That being said, here are 7 reasons why college students should stop giving a f*ck:
1. College is the one time in your life where you are meant to be unprofessional.
You can dye your hair lime green, get a crazy facial piercing, wear booty shorts, whatever, and no one will give you a second glance. Even if they do, who cares?? Live your best life!!! Who knows, you might start a trend. Even if you don’t, who cares? Stick it to ‘em and stop giving negative people your thoughts!
2. You have nothing to lose, literally.
Most of us are actually worth less than zero (thanks, student loans). Therefore, any risky decision can only lead to better things. You’re already probably at rock bottom, might as well do something risky!
3. You only go through college (or at least your undergrad years) once.
Live to your fullest! You don’t want to look back with regrets. Get out of your room, talk to whoever you can, and learn to focus on what is important to you.
4. You can always retake a class.
It’s not the end of the world. D’s get degrees! Try to take classes that fulfill you, and bring you joy. Take more of what you love, and less of what you hate. If you mess up a few times, it literally does not matter in the slightest.
5. Being your authentic self in college can only do you favors.
Find your crowd and people that support you doing whatever the f*ck you want. Not giving a f*ck really lets you know who’s there for you at the end of the day.
6. Experiment! We’re all trying to figure ourselves out.
Playing around with your identity, different disciplines, your dating life, etc will only make you feel secure in yourself.
7. Life’s too short!!
You’re only young once! Who cares if Pierce’s tater tots made you gain 15 lbs, or 30? You’re hot! Cellulite, acne, or whatever your insecurity is literally DOES NOT MATTER AT ALL. Stop spending time dragging yourself down. Accept where you’re at and move on.
Imagine what your life would be like if you stopped letting your doubts, your nagging thoughts, your insecurities, your fears, other people, or yourself drag you down. Your potential really is limitless. It’s never too late to do whatever you want with your life. There are zero wrong answers, and so so much is out there. Stay focused on your values, what makes you you, your community, and direct your focus towards getting sh*t done!