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It’s Hard to Be a Student: 7 Reasons Why
“My years at college were the best years of my life.”
I’ve heard my dad say that hundreds of times before. It seems like when people remember the days of their youth, they glorify them not because they were perfect, but because today, they are older and more miserable. At this point, I see the days of my childhood as the happiest days of my life. Today wasn’t the happiest day of my life. When I grow old, these current struggles I’m going through will seem irrelevant. Suddenly, this year, which I consider to be the worst one I’ve been through, will be greatly idealized.
It’s a syndrome that I don’t understand. I like focusing on the now. And now, my impression is that it’s extremely hard to be a student. I haven’t had an easy day since I started college. Let me tell you why:
1. Budgeting is hard
Finances are the most serious issue for a student today. A degree costs thousands of dollars. Yes; my parents were saving for this journey ever since I was born. Yes; they cover most of the tuition. Yes; I also get a scholarship. Guess what: the money is still not enough. I eat the simplest meals because I have to save. I can’t go out much, because I have to save. And no matter how much I save, I’m still short at the end of the month.
2. Academic writing is a struggle
I always liked writing. In fact, when I was a kid and people asked me what I wanted to be, I responded with great enthusiasm: “I will be a writer!” My parents were really disappointed when I started getting low grades on essays, though. At college, a student has to complete not only essays, but research papers, case studies, and all other kinds of projects as well. Unfortunately, I have to rely on a writing service like EssayGeeks.co.uk from time to time. That means more budgeting problems for me.
3. The debt is crazy
The average student in the Class of 2016 has over $37,000 in loan debt. That’s just crazy. My own debt is around that average, and let me tell you something: it creates a grand burden. I cannot think of graduation with joy when I know that my years after graduation will be a long struggle with a single goal: to pay off that debt, so I can finally start earning for myself. Not a pleasant thought, is it?
4. College education is getting boring
When my parents went to school, they were learning amazing things every single day. At least that’s what they are telling me. Today, most of my professors are telling me stuff I already know. My major is sociology – a great interest of mine. I constantly research online and I practically educate myself. Most of the lectures I get at college are almost useless. I’m just there for the degree – a piece of paper that costs more than I can afford.
5. College is hard work
I am working harder and more consistently than my parents believe. Before the finals, I get only few hours of sleep in an entire week. I have a part-time job because I have to make some money and take part of the financial burden off my parents’ shoulders. You do the math – do I really have time to party? Not that much.
6. I’m being pressured to engage in extracurriculars
“What will make the difference when you start applying for jobs? Hundreds of other recent graduates will have the same degree and similar grades. How will you stand out?” That’s the question I constantly ask myself. Extracurriculars are practically a necessity for the modern student. Plus, there’s volunteering. It’s not a choice; it’s a must!
7. All fields of study are more complicated
Today, we have to study everything our parents study, plus pay attention to all new things discovered in the meantime. All fields of study are more extensive and complex than they used to be. So parents, it’s time to give us a break. No, I don’t feel like this is the best time of my life. In fact, I’d like to be done with the studying ASAP.
I want my own life. I want to be responsible for my own choices. I don’t want to be tied down to lectures, extracurriculars, and volunteering activities I don’t even like. I want a great job, my own money, and limitless opportunities for traveling. Would that be okay, please?
You know the worse thing
You know the worse thing about studing is that in later years you realise while you were learning once-upon-a-time that day is so far away and you have forgotten most of what you paid to learn. Debt for nothing. You teach yourself how to write and those with the most unique voices are remembered and therefore win in the game of 'Writing'- liked your rant!