by Kate Johns

Created on: June 27, 2008

A wise young man said many times to me during my four college years that he would sleep when he was dead. How right he was. I missed out on so much by sleeping in, leaving parties early because I was tired, and falling asleep during lectures. After all I had to sleep sometime. I was working 30 hours a week, volunteering in the college radio station, going to almost all of my classes, and studying numerous hours a week.

I was super busy during my college years, and yes I took the time to sleep. But, I have to say those were without a doubt the best four years of my life. When college was over, I became depressed because I missed the comaderie and group attitude. The sobering reality of looking for a job while working a full time job I did not like hit me right between the eyes.

It was time to give up the books, the fun, and all things past for a life of working, and paying bills. I really just wanted to go back to college and continue having a great time.

This is the advice I can give to young people and older people who enter college nowadays: Savor every moment you have in college. Learn as much as you can. Socialize with everyone that you can talk to. The friends you make in college, will be the friends you have for the rest of your life. You can help each other through college and then later on help each other get jobs. You may even be starting businesses together.

But, with all the activity going on, sometimes it can get to be too much. Too many parties, too many friends, and too many research papers due in the same week. Every once in awhile amongst the frenetic fun, take some time for yourself. Go for a walk alone, in a well lit area, and during the day not at night. Go to the library and read a good book. Go to a coffee shop and sit sipping your coffee enjoying the solitude.

Yes, college is the best time of your life, but every once in ahwile you have to take time out to do nothing. It is a great way of recharging your batteries, so that you can continue learning and having a great time with friends. Ask yourself what you want to do that you haven't done in a long time alone. The answer can be anything from sounding incredibly dull to sounding very soothing or exciting. During college you don't always have to be in a group. You don't always have to be the social butterfly. Try going to a movie that you awlays wanted to see by yourself. It may seem strange at first, but everyone needs some alone time to think, and take a break.

It may take a huge sacrifice

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