I know, It probably doesn’t seem like this will be an interesting article, but you may be surprised at how much you can relate to someone about something.
What’s the first feeling you get when you hear the word “school”?
I immediately get the chills and think “Blah.” Some of you might be on the same page as me while others might be jumping with excitement, which is ok, whatever fills your cup.
It makes me think though, what moments from school in our past left us with that impression?
My first memories of school go back to Kindergarten, where school seemed to be everything a kid could want. From watercolors, play dough, building blocks, and what felt like unlimited recess. Grammar school started that way, then slowly became moody, and awkward. I felt like I wanted to skip this part of life and grow up, school became so much harder than I thought it would. High school was the same, school work was still hard and girls were mean, but I had fun. I used to always hear that High school is the “best four years of your life”, but now as an almost college graduate, I can laugh at that statement. When college rolled around I didn’t want anything to do with school anymore, but what was I supposed to do? I didn't feel a drive or connection to do that or anything regarding work.
To keep this short, my mom had me pack my bags to head to where I am today. One word for that is grateful. I can thankfully say that I’ve had an amazing experience at college, where I have truly learned so much, not only about myself but also about what I want life to look like. At least I think.
College has made me reflect on why I ever wanted to grow up in the first place. Being a young adult is not as easy as I thought. Going through four years of intense schooling can be hard on students, especially when there are uncontrollable outside factors that can sometimes come into play, but we will talk more about that later.
I’ve had my fair share of burnout. I think that’s supposed to come with life though. I read an article discussing how common it is for students or even adults with high-stress levels along with a heavy workload to experience burnout. Many high engagement demands can cause burnout. For example, being a college student; there is so much to worry about. I’m constantly thinking about my grades, doing my laundry, If I have enough money for groceries, and especially, what am I doing over the weekend? It can be even more difficult if you’re a student with a job or a student-athlete. It feels like there is no time for anything. I’ll link the article down below with some strategies to overcome burnout as well. Just to be nice. :)
College is hard. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s easy, because they’re probably lying. A lot of major decisions and tasks come with college, especially regarding academics. Things like deciding a major, choosing what classes to take, cramming a semester's worth of notes into one night of studying, and SO much more. Studying for exams has always been one of my biggest struggles in school. I’ve honestly never found a good style of studying for myself, I always think I know the information until I’m being asked on a test.
How does everyone else study? I need to know.
Overall, don’t get me wrong I’ve enjoyed being a student and I will miss having the luxury of not being a full-time adult. I would not repeat school even if someone offered me all the money or dogs in the world. I believe my school time is finally almost up and all I have to say is… Thank you, next!
Ps. I don’t think you don’t have to go to college to be successful, but for my target audience, it truly does seem to help, right?
OVERCOMING BURNOUT STRATEGIES
Change your motivation style
Better attitude toward demands
Develop personal (healthy) coping skills
Get involved with professional burnout programs
For more information visit - https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/intuition/vol15/iss2/9/
HOW I OVERCAME BURNOUT
Limit unnecessary demands
Practice healthy daily habits that bring personal joy
Take small breaks throughout the day
Talk to a professional