Life of an Over Involved College Student

Some people say that college is the best years of your life. Well, for me they have been the busiest. Don't get me wrong, I've had my fair share of fun. From sorority date parties, to living in the dorms, to hitting the bars college has its perks. But, for almost my entire college career I have been over involved. 

As someone who has been president of a club, director for multiple clubs, ran a blog, worked as a campus ambassador for multiple brands, works for a t-shirt company, and now has an internship during the school year my life has been crazy since going to Iowa State in 2013. My opinion may be in the minority, but I am so excited to be done with college. 

Now let me tell you why. It's because I became to over involved. I gained leaderships in every club I was apart of, all at the same time while taking at least 18 credits. I held all of these positions simultaneously and had to juggle dozens of emails a day, club meetings almost every night of the week, and tasks on top of my course load. 

 Some of you may be thinking: Well why didn't you quit? You put yourself in this situation. 

Well, your right. I did put myself in this situation. But, when my school had so many opportunities I had to take them all. I truly loved all of the clubs and organizations I was involved with, until the work load became unbearable. I was stressed, tired, and exhausted from trying to perfectly balance everything. I went to class all day starting at 8am then had meetings almost every night until 8 or 9pm. Sure, I had time in between class to do homework, but with 18 credits there was a lot to do and I wanted to do it well. 

So, what is the point of this post? 

I want to help college students learn from my mistakes. You can be involved, but the key is to learn how to say no. An art that I just mastered as a senior. This past semester I served as editor in chief of my fashion campus magazine. But with my internship in Des Moines and 20+ credits it was too much. I was overwhelmed and not happy. So, for second semester I decided I would pass on the position to new leaders who had the proper time to dedicate to the organization. That was the first time I said no, like for real said no, to an opportunity. And it felt great. 

I felt free of the burdens of the immense responsibility, I wasn't constantly checking my email, and my life didn't revolve around other peoples questions. Finally, I could just focus on school and work. 

Learn from my mistakes. Learn to say no! Pick what clubs, jobs, or activities mean the most to you from the get go. Then conquer that activity and put your all into it. Sure you may like multiple things, but pick one to be a leader in and one to be a participant. Don't take on to many opportunities, no matter how great they may all be. Live your life. Have fun, go out with your friends, and make memories. 

Are you guilty of being an over involved college student? Tell me your story in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda