Yes, You Can Have Fun and Still Get Good Grades.

One thing I've noticed as a senior in college is that people often act like you have to choose between having a social life and being successful in school. You're either the student who spends all of their time studying in the library or the student who is going out everyday. But honestly, I don't think that is true. I think you can do both. 

There have definitely been times where I've felt completely overwhelmed by assignments, papers, quizzes and exams, as well as everything else that life throws at you when you're young. When this happens it's easy to feel like I should be spending every second focusing on school. While academics are important, I've learned that constantly working without giving yourself a break can get overly exhausting and lead to burn out. Sometimes the best thing for you when you're stressed is to step away, laugh and take your mind off of it for a little while. 

Some of my favorite memories from college didn't happen in the classroom. They happened while hanging out with friends after class, going to campus events, cheering and simply just having conversations with people who are also going through the same experiences as me. Those moments helped me recharge and remind me that college is more than just about grades. It's also about the experiences and friendships you make along the way. 

With that being said, having fun doesn't mean completely ignoring your responsibilities. I've learned that balance is everything. There have been times where I've had to stay in to finish an assignment or cancel plans because I need more time to work on something, and there have also been times where I can just relax because I planned ahead. Managing your time well makes the biggest difference. When I know my work is done I can actually enjoy spending time with friends without stressing about what I should be doing. 

I also believe college students put way too much pressure on themselves to be perfect. But the reality is that nobody has everything figured out and we are all going through similar experiences. Some weeks are going to be busier than others, and sometimes school has to come first. Other days it's okay to take a break and enjoy time with the people around you. Finding that balance looks different for everyone. 

College goes by faster than we know. While earning your degree is important and the goal, so are the memories you make along the way. Years from now I know I'll remember the friendships, laughs and the experiences more than all of the classes and assignments I've done. 

So if you’re feeling guilty for taking a break, or spending time with friends, don't. As long as you are staying on top of your responsibilities, it's okay to enjoy yourself. You don't have to choose between having fun and being successful. You can work hard, chase your goals and still make time for the people and moments that make the journey worth it. And in my opinion that's what college is really about.