Syllabus week has passed and classes are getting into their quizzes, tests and projects while students are buying energy drinks in bulk in order to keep up.
Along with the wonder that is rigorous studying during sleepless nights comes stress.
It's easy to get worked up about school, especially being new to the college experience. But even if you aren't new, finding time to balance class, homework, a job in some cases and a social life is a daunting task capable of making people pull out their hair or scream out loud.
But there is no need for such measures. As important as college is, it's not worth becoming an unhappy, stressed wreck of a person.
Taking anything too seriously is a bad idea. Worse things have happened than doing terribly on a test or project or failing a course. Life is full of second, third and even ninth chances.
Having problems dealing with a professor? Not getting along? That's OK; it's going to happen.
But dealing with it immediately and calmly can go a long way in keeping your sanity. Set up a meeting with the troublesome professor, calmly explain your situation and collaborate on a solution. With a few extreme exceptions, nothing could have happened to push a student-professor relationship beyond saving, but if it has, change sections or drop the class. Problem solved.
Studying can be one of the most stressful chores students will have during their academic careers. Countless TV screens have suffered the effect of angry textbook throws, and countless more harmless inquiries from friends have been answered with profane outbursts because some students get so worked up. But electronics need not be smashed, and feelings need not be hurt.
Take a break. Go for a walk. Pick up an instrument. Smoke a cigarette. Whatever you have to do to keep from going crazy from studying, do it.
Jobs are tricky.
If you have a job, it's probably because you need it to pay for school, rent and food. It can be tougher to deal with a boss or co-worker. Dealing with a demanding boss is tougher because, once again, with a few extreme exceptions, you are expendable.
College students typically have jobs in restaurants or as cashiers or something of that nature. If problems arise at work, talking it out won't always be the first option. At the same time, plenty of places around campus and Muncie are looking for expendable employees during the school year.
Social stress can be the worst.
To most people the most important things in their lives are the relationships they have with their friends, significant others and families. If there is anything to be stressed about, chances are it's this. That's why priorities are important. You have to realize that some things are worth the worrying and others can be written off as a friend, family member or (especially) a significant other being ridiculous.
Everybody has conflicts; it's nothing new. Rather than get angry and stressed out, try solving resolving the issue with (surprise, surprise) words. So many bruised knuckles, eyes and egos could be saved.
It's important to realize that you have about three-fourths of your life to go, and chances are you aren't going to marry someone you met in college. Meaningful relationships exist, but be subconsciously skeptical, and don't get upset about things you'll laugh at in time.
Being angry and stressed does nothing but make you more angry, stressed and unhappy.
Try laughing - it helps.
Tommy Conroy is a senior majoring in journalism and writes 'State of Balls' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Tommy at teconroy@bsu.edu
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