Let’s be real—college is not just about classes, exams, and the occasional late-night study session. It feels like a never ending cycle, and some days, it feels like I’m walking on a tightrope without a safety net.

At 21, my schedule is packed. I juggle working at my job, Frette, 4-5 days a week, hitting the gym three times a week, keeping up with homework, maintaining personal time (what’s that again?), and somehow paying attention to relationships with friends, family, and—if I’m lucky—myself. And that’s just the start of it all.

We always hear, “College is the best time of your life!” But no one warns you about the burnout, constant pressure, and never-ending to-do lists. Social media makes it look like everyone is effortlessly thriving, aceing exams, having flawless gym routines, having weekend brunches, and still having time to binge-watch an entire Netflix series. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to figure out when I’ll sleep next.

The Truth about ‘Having It All Together’

There’s this unspoken rule that by your 20s, you should have your life on track. But what if you don’t? What if you’re still figuring out your goals while drowning in assignments and work shifts? The truth is, no one truly has it all figured out. The trick is learning to navigate the chaos without letting it consume you.

The Art of Saying No

One of my hardest lessons learned is that you can’t do everything. It’s okay to say no to extra shifts, to social events when you need rest, and even to that inner voice telling you you’re not doing enough. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Speaking from personal 

Finding Small Wins

Sometimes, success isn’t about significant achievements. It’s about waking up on time, submitting that paper before 11:59 PM, making it to the gym even when you’re exhausted, or squeezing in a FaceTime call with a friend. Small wins keep us going, and we should celebrate them more.

We’re All in This Together

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. College isn’t just about academics, it’s about balancing life, responsibilities, and yourself. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes exhausting, but we’re all figuring it out one day at a time.

So, to my fellow students: Take breaks. Give yourself grace. And remember, it’s okay if you don’t have it all together—none of us do.