Perhaps you feel trapped. Maybe each day you wake up and try to shake the grip of the force holding you back, but for some reason, it will not let go. Universities are often structured in ways that favor extroversion, which, occasionally, can lead to the dangerous “groupthink” idea.
Essentially, as college students, we have been given a trial run of what the rest of our life might look like. We take classes pertaining to our career of choice, obtain internships that provide hands-on experience, all while having the most fun with the best friends we have had thus far. In many ways, it’s time to start gearing up for the rest of our lives. Achieving a balance between all the stressors of college is crucial, yet daunting. Often, we find ourselves sacrificing something important in order to focus on something else. Perhaps you missed a night out with your friends to write a 10 page paper, or maybe you skip one class to study for an exam in another.
College has the uncanny ability to make us feel like we are drowning and on top of the world simultaneously. We can afford to miss a party or a class or two, but we absolutely cannot afford somebody taking away our independence. The moment you find your thoughts being driven by somebody or something, is the moment you undoubtedly and unapologetically walk away. Sacrificing liberty is such a difficult and often overlooked form of self-harm that is far too prevalent among college students.
Allowing someone or something to control the way we think, act, etc., is toxic to our college experience and – more importantly – the human experience. Have the courage to be wholeheartedly your own person – your unique, beautiful, independent self.