Im Already Stressed

Im Already Stressed My morning began with a quick text to my biggest supporter and best friend: Im already stressed. I continued on to whine and complain about the difficulty of my upcoming classes (especially PSYC 100!!!!), my lack of preparation, and the huge sum of money I would spend on books all before the first day of class. And for any college student, this is not unusual. Photo from Makeameme.org But what my best friend responded with will forever change my view on a new semester, or any new challenge: Lets tackle this one thing at a time.  Books are inevitable, but you made about that over break working. Youre smart and capable, but you dont get straight As being smart and capable. You work your butt  off to get what you want. In one text message, my fear and anxiety began to melt away. I felt myself becoming excited about  my new classes. And while every college-level class is difficult, I realized that the only way to succeed in college is through hard work and incredible determination. It seems to be the same story for all. At first, the feeling of stress and pressure. Then, a rush to get everything prepared and organized at once. Finally, the realization that each step must be taken one at a time, and then finding the right balance between preparation, organization, and achievement. For any high school senior who recently committed to this amazing university, or for any high schooler worried about college, this is a post for you and you only. The first semester of college will be difficult and it will be stressful, but it will lead you to incredible opportunities and unimaginable adventures. Rachel Class of 2020 I am studying Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Social Sciences and Literacy in the College of Education. Although I now reside in Champaign, I am originally from Vernon Hills, a Northwest suburb of Chicago.