Happy October, everyone! Now that it’s fall and the summer atmosphere is gone, the stresses of school are kicking in. Something surprising that I have noticed going on recently is that people are already figuring out housing for next year. I have friends that have already signed leases for next year! Doesn’t it seem like we just got back to school? How could we already be figuring out next year when it’s only October? Well, even though it may seem premature for upperclassmen, it is a wake-up call that people need to start planning things in advance. This pertains not only to housing situations but also planning for any study abroad opportunities, volunteering, studying for graduate programs, etc.
For me, junior year is the year where things start to become overwhelming, but in reality everybody is going through the same thing. Fortunately, I’m already planning on housing next year so that ball is already in motion, but for people who are interested in studying abroad, informational meetings are approaching. I am interested in going to Vienna for a May Term next year, so I was able to get some information on it and am mentally getting prepared for filling out all of that and making the correct steps towards applying for the program. When you sit down and think about all the things on your plate from classes, personal things, your major, and anything else going on in your life, it is a little discouraging because there are just so many things to think about at once. People say to live in the moment, but that is only true to an extent because planning and organizing for long-term aspects in one’s life is necessary to think about now, no matter how far in advance it may seem.
For instance, I have tests, papers and normal homework as well as a job, meetings and intramurals and all I try to do is get through the week. It’s extremely difficult to tackle those in addition to figuring out things months in advance when you are already stressed out to your limit with day-to-day responsibilities. Although there are times you want to just have a pity party, you have to realize that it is difficult, but well worth the time and effort and even frustration in order to get ahead in life. Also, you’re never alone in this process—you have advisers, helpful professors, friends, family and other people you have made connections with that can help and hopefully relieve some anxiety and set you on the right path. I know there are times when you feel like you have to figure out your life on your own, but everybody is in the same boat and there are numerous resources at our disposal to get us through all of this with as little pain as possible.
With that being said, planning has its benefits. For example, planning for a May Term in Vienna is stressful, but how cool will it be if it happens and you end up in a new country with so much history? Also, won’t you be glad you got a jump-start on some things before deadlines come up and you realize you aren’t prepared? Yeah, I’d rather be stressed now and slowly work away at some future organizing than have an anxiety attack later on. Hopefully this post hasn’t stressed anybody out but simply brought to your attention that looking ahead is always a bonus. Something that I love planning in advance for are breaks, so getting ready for Fall Break this next weekend is making me super excited! I hope everybody has a great break and I’m sure I’ll update you on all of the fun things that happen to me in my next blog! Have a great week and safe weekend everybody!
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