When my dad first dropped me off at my first apartment last year, I asked him what advice he most wanted to leave me off with. I sat there expecting him to speak the most prophetic words that would ever come out of his mouth. His advice: “make your bed everyday as soon as you get up”. Wow, what a disappointment. When I asked him if that was really wanted to leave me with, he simply replied, “You’re smart enough, you’ll understand why.” So much for the wise genius I always thought he was.
But I decided to take his advice and see what he meant. I did my very best everyday to get up and make my bed as soon as I woke up. I would roll over, barely alive, quickly place my sheets back and toss my pillows, and try not to fall back asleep on top of my comforter. Once I did this for a month and couldn’t see what the point of it was, I began to slack off a little. I did the unspeakable and did not make my bed in the morning. *gasp*
This is when I actually began to notice a difference. When I did not make my bed, I realized I felt more sluggish. I took longer to get myself out of bed and out of the shower. I prioritized a quick unhealthy cereal for breakfast instead of taking the time for a good egg breakfast. I would end up watching just one more episode of The Office as opposed to limiting my one in the morning. It was tougher to get work done in my dorm with the mess.
I realize that it is not simply about making your bed. It is about establishing a morning routine and keeping everything organized. It’s an easy way to start your day and get the ball rolling. But it’s even easier to have no routine and let your mess pile up. Now, on days I don’t follow my routine, something feels off, like something is missing. Keeping that same routine makes it easier to knock out work and keeps my mentality feeling sharp as opposed to being lost with the mess
This advice has become even more important now more than ever. Most of us students are stuck doing our homework in rooms. Our dorms and apartments have become our office spaces. We no longer can escape the mess by going to our favorite study spots. We are forced to either live in it or fix it. So, I want to give this advice to you. Make your bed. I’ll also add some of Mom’s advice we’ve all heard since we were 3: clean your room. It’s the best way to establish what your routine is and keep everything in order. Once you do this, I promise you will notice the mental clarity and ability to get your tasks done more efficiently.
LIFE IN THE PANDEMIC AS DESCRIBED BY A COLLEGE STUDENT
The COVID-19 Pandemic has certainly taken its toll on everyone. As a senior in college, it has been a tough few months living life much differently that I have my first three years as a Redbird. I have spent many heavy-hearted hours thinking about missing out on the “normal” things a college senior experiences in their last year: Homecoming, Family Weekend, RSO events, seeing my friends whenever with no limitations, and sitting in the classroom forming connections with my professors. While it is perfectly fine to feel upset and think about what should have been, it is important to think about the positives in our lives and the positives of being a college student living through the pandemic.
As an 18 to 21-year-old, there have undoubtedly been obstacles you have had to overcome. Whether they have been more or less challenging than the obstacle we are currently presented with, remember this: it is just another obstacle, and we will all overcome it and be stronger in the end. While online classes have been a huge learning curve, it has taught us to be more adaptable and manage our time better. While we aren’t able to have in-person RSO events, it has taught us to find innovative solutions to our problems. While we haven’t been able to see our friends and family in person as much, it has taught us to be creative in maintaining strong relationships with those in our lives. While we haven’t been able to attend large gatherings like concerts and sporting events, it has taught us to appreciate the things we take for granted and give ourselves something to look forward to. And while we have had to spend much more time at home, it has given us an opportunity to pick up new hobbies, like playing an instrument or making art. All of these skills are so valuable and will make us more tenacious in the end and more marketable to employers for after we Business Birds graduate.
Know that we are in this together and we will have a greater appreciation for all the little things in life after all of this is over. If you’re a senior, reflect on all the great experiences you’ve had as a Redbird over the past few years with a grateful heart. If you’re a freshman, know that there is plenty to look forward to and plenty of time to make your mark. Most importantly, wear your mask, wash your hands, and try to make the most out of being a college student living through the pandemic.
