I am a sophomore and I feel like my life is spinning out of control with all the work. On top of schoolwork (which seems never-ending), I tutor kids with math to make money, and I am in the finance club. I feel like just giving up on it all. What should I do?
— Spinning Out of Control

Dear Spinning Out of Control,

I know all too well how you feel. Unfortunately, I think a lot of kids at Fairfield do. So first off, if you ever feel like skipping all your classes for the week and getting on the next flight to Cabo (which I often feel like doing …), just remember this: you are not alone.

The one thing college often makes us do is prioritize, even when we don’t want to. And although this is an essential skill to develop, it is not the easiest to embrace. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed and think the sky is falling (like chicken little), try writing down a list of things you need to do. As you continue to complete these tasks, mark them off the list. The sight of a line marked through something you completed is quite relaxing. Before you know it, the list will be completely marked off, and you’ll be amazed at how calm and put together you will feel.

And remember, although it is great to join clubs, take lots of different classes, and raise your own money, if enough is enough and you think you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, you can always drop a class, join another club that fits into your schedule better, or find a job with easier hours (that or bum off mom and dad for a while …).

My final word of advice is this: congratulate yourself on all you have accomplished. Whether or not you realize it, you are succeeding each time you finish an assignment, make it to tutor on time, or even just make it to class. You need to reward yourself for the great work you are doing. Perhaps watch a movie, go get a skinny vanilla latte, cuddle in your bed and read a magazine, or flip on TV and watch McDreamy, fantasize about McSteamy, and fall asleep, all ready to do it again tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This column is for entertainment only. The author is a student, not a licensed therapist, and this column is not intended to take the place of professional advice. The views expressed are the author’s and are not necessarily shared by The Mirror or its staff.

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