“Slow down, you crazy child
You’re so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you’re so smart, tell me
Why are you still so afraid?
Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about?
You’d better cool it off before you burn it out
You’ve got so much to do and
Only so many hours in a day.”
Hi there, sitting in the corner of this darkened place, with just one or two flickering lights on the other side of the mess, only chatters of meaningless conversations, only that one heart beating inside of you while you stare at the empty seat across the table wondering why you don’t have someone to share a meal with? Is it because you’re not interesting enough, not exposed to enough experiences, or not dressed well enough? There must be something you’re missing.
But wait, do you even have time for such thoughts? Isn’t there an assignment due tomorrow, a quiz you haven’t studied for, and a 1500-word Mind and Behaviour paper due next week? Here you are, pouring words onto a page, knowing that a TA will soon pass judgment on them, and somehow, that grade will define your self-worth. Yet, perhaps it’s time to set all this aside, get up, and seek out that group of friends who are surely doing something fun tonight. Sharing their laughter might relieve your stress, right? After all, what’s college life without enjoying moments with friends? What if you miss out on a hilarious joke, and your whole group drifts away from you? Finish that essay later.
Now look at yourself, exhausted and stressed. You went to bed at 5 a.m. after a night of aimless wandering, only to wake up at 2 p.m. You’re grappling with pending assignments and that lingering sense of loneliness. Are you still infatuated with that boy or are your feelings shifting towards that girl you talked to all night? And what about that friend from the first week who you thought would be inseparable, until that fight last week? Everything seems confusing, your emotions are heightened, and all you can think about is how to hide your tears when your parents ask how you’re doing in college. How do you explain to them that their strong daughter, so far from home, sometimes just wants to run back to the safety of their arms?
Yes, college can be an overwhelming experience, hitting some harder than others. It’s entirely natural to find yourself lost in the whirlwind of social circles, academic demands, and club activities, all the while feeling the persistent tug of homesickness at your heart.
Academic pressure can be daunting, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that everyone around you is somehow more intelligent or capable. However, in reality, isn’t this a shared sentiment? When you step back and reflect, you might question the rush. Life is a long, winding journey, and there’s ample time to proceed at a measured pace, to explore, and to uncover your true passions. So, what’s the hurry?
Friendships are a vital aspect of your college experience, yet they needn’t be a continual . In truth, having a small circle of two or three true friends can make an enormous difference. It’s entirely normal to grapple with moments of solitude and loneliness. Friends come and go; you’ll part ways with some, and you’ll form new connections. It’s all part of the flow of life, and you will move forward.
Above all, it’s crucial to recognise that at the end of the day, the most significant relationship you need to nurture is the one with yourself. You will make mistakes, endure pain, and experience the comings and goings of friends on your unique journey. No one equipped you with a map for this adventure; you learn as you go. Eventually, you’ll uncover your passions, find your tribe, and establish your place in this bustling world. As you reflect on your journey, you’ll come to see how this supposedly enchanting place both shattered and rebuilt you, molding facets of your identity that you never knew existed. Finally, with each experience, you’ll become a stronger, wiser version of yourself.