After returning to school from winter break, students are welcomed back with the same list of assignments and tasks as the previous semester. Spring break is the first chance students have to relax and let the burdens of classwork fade to the back of their minds.
For many students, going home is like a free pass to slack off and let their parents treat them like royalty for a week. Unfortunately, the moment you step foot on campus again, the responsibilities of college comes pouring back, and you realize you’re on your own once again.
It’s hard being independent if you’ve grown up in a family that tends to your every need, and adjusting to college life, and the responsibilities that come with it, can be difficult for those who have lived a comfortable lifestyle.
Becoming an independent individual should be something all students strive for during their years in college. It will only better prepare them for graduation because no one is going to be there to hold their hand after.
Relying on others for your work only slows you down and reduces productivity. Students who don’t handle and organize their responsibilities right away risk falling behind and stressing themselves out more than necessary.
I stay on top of my assignments by writing out a list of everything I need to accomplish for the next day before I go to bed. As I complete the tasks the following day, I cross them off the list. Not only does this keep me organized, but it’s satisfying to know I’m getting everything done on time and, mostly, stress free.
Being independent is vital to everyone’s success in life and college. It’s one way to ensure students do what needs to be done on their own terms without having to be told by someone else.
You’re in charge of every decision you make from the food put into your body to how many hours you dedicate to homework and studying.
Being independent and self-sufficient when you’re young is the key to being a confident, self-assured adult who is capable of making decisions for themselves.
When I was a freshman, I had a tendency to call my parents for confirmation before making decisions like registering for classes or buying virus software protection. I never felt like I was completely lost without their guidance, but it certainly helped me worry less. Now, I make executive decisions without feeling the urge to clear it through anyone else.
Seeking guidance for tasks you’re unfamiliar with is acceptable. Looking for confirmation from others in every aspect of your life is a sign that it may be time to start thinking for yourself more and making adult decisions.
When graduation comes and the job hunt begins, most employers would prefer hiring a person who is capable of making quick decisions under pressure and knowing what’s right for his or herself and the company. If you don’t know what you want or how to get it, an employer won’t be interested in hiring you.
Being away at college makes apathetic students realize they need to start doing things on their own without the help from mom or dad. If you weren’t independent before college, you sure as hell are now, whether you want to be or not.
Being independent isn’t something students should fear. In fact, being independent is a quality people should have before entering college and certainly by the time they graduate. Doing things for yourself and by yourself is beneficial to growth and maturity.
Being the boss of your own life will ensure that you are doing what you think is best for yourself, not what others believe is best. You are in charge of your life, and it’s your job to do what’s right and benefits you and the people around you.
Email Laura Schmidt at opinions@cardinalpointsonline.com
