Hey, everyone!
Every day of our lives, we are faced with stressful events. While college holds so many fun and wonderful opportunities, these golden years can also be some of our most stressful years, as well. Maybe you’re a first year student who’s still figuring out what it means to be an adult and how to manage your time (don’t worry, freshman, regardless of how the upperclassmen may act, we’re all still right there with you). Maybe you’re a transfer student who’s adjusting to new teachers and a new location. Or perhaps you’re a seasoned veteran of UW, who’s figuring out your new class schedule. All in all, from meeting new people, to prioritizing your time, to trying out new opportunities, to trying to stuff your brain with the fire-hose-amount of information coming at you, stress is no stranger to the college student. And with the added weight of midterms, I’d say some people are facing some high quality stress. In fact, you may be feeling like life is straight crazy. I want to encourage you: hang in there. And if I can, I want to encourage you and me to do three things:
•• Be thankful ••
It is truly amazing that we have the chance to further our education. Really, it is. And regardless of whether you’re happy with how college is going or if you wish you could change some things, you’re still in college. (To me, it doesn’t really matter if your glass is half full or half empty, you’ve still got water! Awesome.) And if you’re at that point where you’re just really discouraged and having a bad day, I want to remind you that life is a gift! You are a gift; there will never be another you on the planet in history. Your heart is beating and your eyelids automatically blink for you, so if you think about it, there are many things for which to be thankful.
•• Embrace the water, because its force smooths you like a river rock ••
If you will accept it, stress can offer the opportunity to make us more balanced, mature individuals. Just like the continual flow of water over rocks creates rounded, smooth stones, so stress can be an opportunity to grow into the best version of ourselves. If we graduate as people who have learned to endure hard times and to be kind, hardworking, and patient, I’d say the refining fire was well worth the end product.
•• Keep the finish line in mind ••
There is an end to the stress. There is an end to the semester. There is a diploma awaiting you! And beyond that diploma is a job that I truly hope you enjoy and makes you want to get up in the morning. We are blessed to be in a college which offers so many fun, rewarding careers. Keep your eyes on the prize. Finish the race!
~ Abby Gettinger