This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UH chapter.
I wasn’t always as ambitious as I am today. Throughout high school, I settled for just passing. As long as I passed my classes I was fine. For my parents, it wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t failing. I didn’t have very many friends throughout high school, so I had little to admire for what success was supposed to be at that time.
When I graduated and started college I knew that I wanted to do better. Not only did I think it was cool to study all day, pull all-nighters and drink coffee every morning like people did in college movies.
I also wanted to do these things so that I wouldn’t waste my first semester away like so many other freshmen. I didn’t want to party my first year away and go crawling back home, so I made it my job to do the best I could.
I formed study groups, pulled all-nighters and then went partying until three in the morning that weekend. You could say I worked hard and then played hard.
Seeing as my next step after college is a career, I have set some goals for myself so I know what I am working towards.
Coming home for the summer and seeing that many people back home didn’t make it through the first year of college was tough. It’s not exciting to see the people you grew up with flunk out or “party out” of their first year, but it does light a fire under me.
I don’t feel groggy when I wake up every morning like I used to in high school. I look forward to going to class because I know there is a prize waiting for me.
When you don’t have ambition college gets a little discouraging.
College is more than just beer pong and late nights. It is a gateway to your future. The price tag can be an expensive one, but in the end it is worth it.
You fought the good fight all while dealing with family drama, financial problems, and even questioning your own mental stability. Now, your long-term goals are only an arm’s length away.
