When the Going Gets Tough

So you've gotten to make your own choices, now it's time to find balance and motivation.

Often times when this time of year rolls around, studying has become a difficult venture. Midterm exams are over, and all those five page papers have already been turned in. It seems like it should be time to relax—but the next week only brings more homework and assignments that make those five page papers look simple. Then all the extra-curricular activities added on top of the homework can cause some serious stress. So how do you stay focused in college when the going gets tough?

Last year as a freshman, studying was so simple. I knew the reason I was at Mizzou—to learn as much as I could in my classes as well as outside my classes. I did this through getting involved as I could—I became president in one organization, officer in two others, and a member of one more. I pushed myself to the limits or way past my limits even sometimes. After being so worn and stressed with all my activities and homework, I got really sick last February. I had the flu; then I had an allergic reaction to the medicine the Student Health Center gave me. That incident taught me I needed to slow down.

This year in school, my priorities are different. Rather than being involved in everything, I am finding what I love and devoting myself to that. Some days I feel like I am still too busy, but living a full life is what I strive for. Studying is still a priority for me, but I have learned that staying up until the wee hours of the morning cramming for a test really doesn’t help that much. I feel as though in my second year of college, I am much more efficient and focused than I was last year as a freshman.

When the going gets tough—get going. College classes are difficult, but every student understands that. Just know your limitations, but still push them as far as classes are concerned. Don’t over-dedicate yourself to activities that only seem like they look good on a resume. Find what you love, and stick with it. When the going gets tough—get going.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education