I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to temporarily leave my life in search of a serene stillness that the life of a full-time college student simply doesn’t know — or at most, only faintly recalls in dreams of Neverland.
I don’t know who said that “90 percent of life is showing up,” (Seriously, I don’t. The closest attribution I saw when I Googled it was Woody Allen stating “80 percent of success is showing up” — which I’m assuming is the original quote we’ve contorted over the years like we tend to do.) But I do know the statement holds some truth.
On the days you don’t feel like going to class, finishing that assignment, applying for that internship or going to see that prominent guest speaker you really don’t feel you have the time to see; do it. Do it because it will most likely pay off in some shape or form.
Frankly, you’re not going to feel your best all the time, but keeping your momentum is what’s going to make you your best by the end of the semester. It’s what’s going to enable you to look back someday in disbelief that you accomplished all that you have.
According to statistics from a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, 39 percent of first-time, full-time college students who entered a four-year institution in the fall of 2005 obtained their degree within four years, while 59 percent graduated within six years.
I’m not citing this information to bash the “super seniors.” I’m citing this information to remind you of your achievement that’s in the making. Earning a four-year degree in four years isn’t the clean-cut process we’d like to think it is — and perseverance is what’s going to get you to graduation day, no matter how long it might take.
There are a few practical suggestions that I can offer, which I think make a difference when it comes to persevering in this sleep-deprived college life. To-do lists, scheduled breaks and Monday morning playlists make this world go ‘round as far as I’m concerned.
Making a daily to-do list is a pretty self-explanatory strategy for getting things done, but more importantly, it ensures that you’re not forgetting something. (And if it makes you feel better to add something you’ve already done just so you can have something to cross off, do it. We all do.)
If you don’t schedule your breaks — and I mean real breaks with zero academic productivity — you won’t take them. Or worse, you’ll take them when you can least afford to, out of pure, heart-wrenching exhaustion that pleads, “I just can’t do it anymore!” And no one wants to see you that spent.
As for the Monday morning playlist, please have fun with that strategy. Include out-of-character genres and artists for your musical taste that almost make the playlist an inside joke with yourself. (Also, you never know, Alicia Keys just might motivate you more than you think.)
The importance of your perseverance is a pep talk I can’t give enough. Remember what you’re working for and forget the fantasies of Neverland, because you need you here.
April Jaynes is a senior studying journalism and anthropology. Have any advice for keeping up the momentum even when you’re tempted to give up? Tell April your secrets at aj188310@ohiou.edu.
