college life

As one continues in their college career, it is natural to grow a bittersweet relationship with their hometown. I feel so naturally at home but simultaneously the ghost of my youth — who I used to be taunts me. 

I know I’m burnt out when I suddenly feel this sense that I am a ghost in my own life. It happens when things are happening so fast around me and I have so much to worry about, I don’t feel like I have any control over the events of my existence.

“What if” questions constantly plague our minds, maybe even on a daily basis. Overthinking and sometimes even regretting decisions we have or have not made is so incredibly easy—especially at times when we are extra vulnerable and are faced with adversity. 

As cliche as it may seem, the journey through life is comparable to solving a Rubik’s Cube.

I used to frown at the thought of going to the library too (still do when I have upcoming midterms), but hey! It’s not all that bad when you really try it out and I can see why our libraries are seemingly always so crowded. 

Tabling can be stressful—especially when it seems like no one is interested in what you have to advertise. So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite techniques that you can try the next time you’re out flyering and low on takers. 

My controversial take, however, is that long-distance friendships are sometimes a little more tricky to maintain than long-distance relationships. So here I am, creating this formal rulebook of the do’s and don’ts of long-distance friendships. 

Known as the hub of campus activity, Sproul Plaza is a place where you’ll surely be bumped into, overstimulated and bombarded with fliers in your face. The combination of crowding and loud noise on Sproul might just make you think about something other than how you should’ve studied for your exam instead of watching TikTok videos all night. If you have ever wondered what goes on in a typical student’s mind while walking through Sproul, the Clog has got you covered. 

Dorm living. The epitome of the real American college experience. At least, so they say. The dorm life comes with a host of feelings and experiences that are truly unique and only understood by those who have braved the journey. Chances are, if you’re a freshman, you’re actively experiencing the experience at the moment. If you’re an upperclassman, perhaps you can reminisce on it. Or not.    

Through attempted internal reflection and time spent with loved ones, the same daunting question circulates in our minds: How do we survive — and potentially thrive — in such a transitional time in our lives? The simple answer is by romanticizing our lives, riding out this wave donning a rosy pair of sunglasses until we can feel alive again for some holiday cheer.