P7100198 (Large)

[P7100198 (Large): Photo by: Julio Betancourt. Licence CC]

The first day of the semester is approaching. Thousands are sitting in that dimly lit room next to the giant suitcase lying on the floor. The voices of their parents slowly fade away as the car leaves the garage, ready to make its return to campus. We had no choice, right? We can only be our parents’ babies for so long. If they call you on Thursday, let them know you’re okay even if you’re drowning in a pile of homework and trying to make it through the rest of the week with those $4. Welcome back. If you’re a freshman, welcome aboard; and get ready to face some unexpected trials and tribulations during the year.

I can’t say much about those who study in their hometown or close because I don’t know how it feels like. I’m one of those who decided to move miles away to get a bachelor’s degree.

A big part of college life is about surviving; and the cycle is endless. After seeing how tough it is, you become fully aware of how you are not as strong as you really thought. Sleepless nights thanks to the empty stomach or a paper due tomorrow may keep you awake. Stress, part-time jobs and exams take a toll on your life. Pairs of jeans may feel too tight for eating your feelings out, or too loose for starving yourself 5 days a week. From student loans to other financial misfortunes, we ask ourselves the same thing: that’s it? Is this what university life is about?

The struggle to survive and stop myself from going insane because of the constant anxiety followed me during my freshman year. I felt a strong resentment towards university. Happiness was just  bunch of letters together forming a word that doesn’t mean anything. People all over campus smiling, enjoying themselves and talking about the fun they had yesterday or in the weekend seemed out of place. Those things seem foreign when life is beating you up. I asked myself how could these people be happy in this terrible place. How are they acting like everything is fine when there are so many things to worry about?

Life is what you make of it. It’s okay to suffer, but my friends tell me the same thing over and over: don’t let it stop you from having fun. Otherwise, regrets will come later on. I was too busy moping around and crying about how tough times are that I didn’t take my time to discover the positive side of college life. So, to all of you who are struggling right now… it gets better. It sounds a bit cliché, but it happens if you make an effort. Start living, put yourself out there. Study hard, but don’t forget to create these crazy memories that will make you laugh when you reminisce about them. People like me used to lock ourselves inside our dorms and worry about money, grades, exams and work. We missed out on opportunities to join clubs, make friends and get out of the comfort zone. Remember: adulthood is just around the corner; and there will be less time to live life. You’re here to grow and get education, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself. This doesn’t translate to party everyday. Just don’t miss out on joining clubs, campus events and everything else. It took me a year to fully become part of the university life and have a reason to be happy where I am right now.