Nacogdoches has a reputation for being “Naco-nowhere” or “Nasty Nac” because many students think there’s nothing to do there but party. While it doesn’t have as many restaurants or really anything in your hometown, you have the power to make the most out of your college experience.
In my experience, being introduced to new freedoms while entering college was both exciting and frightening. Suddenly my schedule was completely in my hands. As a music major, I was always extremely busy, and time was precious. I knew I had to make good use of it. On the rare occurrence that I had some down time, sometimes my indecision was so crippling that I ended up doing nothing in my dorm room or wanting to go home from an awkward night out.
I am an extrovert who suffers from really bad FOMO, so I wanted to be included in everything. I ended up stressing myself out because I felt like I was being pulled from different directions. Instead of riding on other people’s (often vague) plans, I wish I had taken initiative to make decisions about how to spend my time.
Parties and small gatherings were fun because it gave me an opportunity to unwind and socialize with my friends. But I’ve had my fair share of uncomfortable social environments. Going out wasn’t always the answer to my desire of stepping away from my stress. On the other side of the token, I also spent many lonely nights watching Netflix when I really needed to interact with the outside world. In both instances, it would have been better for me to engage in activities that were healthy for my mind and body.
Photo by Daina Phillips for Her Campus at SFA
If I had taken control of my time more often, I probably wouldn’t have felt like I was always trying to catch my breath. If my mind and body were healthy, I could have focused on my school work without being constantly exhausted. I also probably would have felt more in control of my life because I took control of the time that wasn’t already scheduled for classes and rehearsals.
I had FOMO throughout my four years in Nacogdoches, but I didn’t know I was actually missing out on making plans for myself. I sincerely cherish the time I spent with my friends, and I don’t regret any of it. I just wish I had been more intentional with my time. Here is a list of adventures I went on in college that I wish I could have done more often. If you’re still an SFA student, please free to use this list as a Nacogdoches bucket list!
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Take deep breaths and read a good book on a bench in the arboretum.
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Walk as far as you can into the Pecan Park trails.
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Attend yoga classes at the Rec Center.
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Go 30 minutes out of town where there’s no light pollution and stare at the galaxy.
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Roller skate with a group of friends at Skate-O-Rama
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Watch the sunrise and sunset on the top floor of the student center parking garage.
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Walk through Downtown Nacogdoches and take lots of aesthetic pics.
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Have a picnic at Lake Nacogdoches.
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Catch up with a good friend or spend time with a new one at Java Jacks.
Whatever you decide on doing with your free time, remember that the choice is yours. You have healthy options, and the friends that matter will always be there for you even if you miss out on one party.