Life > Stress

Started this post in December...
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Well, it has been five months since I returned to the USA, and it is currently the 10th week (out of 11) of the school term. It has occurred to me that a certain aspect of my life has changed quite considerably. I have noticed is that I am A LOT less stressed about school than I was pre-study abroad. I don't know if it's just because of the classes I have this semester, but it really hasn't been too bad. Of course, there's still some stress, which is to be expected. I also feel the stress building as the school term comes to an end, but I know I can get through it!

I think studying abroad helped me to calm down. It helped me look at the bigger picture--that life is too short to be worried all the time. Now don't get me wrong, I am still aiming to get good grades and be on the Dean's List again. [I'm happy to say that I did get on Dean's List for this semester!] I have just learned to not put too much pressure on myself, which is something I've done since high school. I have learned how to relax and just enjoy life. I have learned how to make time for things I enjoy, like hanging out with my friends, while still making sure to get my homework and studying done.

In Germany, I only really had to study twice: for midterms and for finals. It seems as though the mentality is quite different between the two school cultures, so it has been slightly difficult getting back into the groove of things at my home university. I think I've *almost* reached that happy medium of good grades, a social life, and an adequate amount of sleep...although the sleep part still needs some work, which is why I haven't fully found the balance.

My advice to students out there: Do your best to find the balance and be a well-rounded student. You CAN do it! Look at the bigger picture & live well, friends! :)


Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR