by Elise Estelle
The dictionary defines "stress" as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances".
North Parkers define "demanding circumstances" as "school and everything that has to do with it."
As a formal welcome to the 2017 freshman class, we would like to extend some tips on how to deal with a few demanding circumstances that you may face over the next 4+ years as an NPU student:
Do choose your friends wisely. In you first year at North Park, you are going to meet a lot of new people. It is important to establish relationships on campus especially with faculty and staff. They will give you great advice on how to survive your years. Worried about fitting in? Don’t worry, it will happen naturally: Even if it feels like it's taking forever. And if it feels like you just don’t fit in anywhere, don’t think you need a group of friends to define you, just keep being YOURSELF! Also, when choosing friends, good judgement is key. Everyone does not want to see you win, but that doesn’t mean some people don’t.
Don’t let new found freedom turn you into an academic failure. As freshmen, we know you’re new to true independence. There is no mom yelling at you to get up before you miss the bus - only an alarm clock, a roommate, and God. Here are some true characteristics of a Stressman: Having to work your way back up from the bottom… not fun.
Do go to class. Don’t use all of your “skip class days” in one week. You can get kicked out of class for being absent too much - you might know that already IF you went to the first class of each course.
Do pay attention! And get it done ahead of time. We are all guilty of the “WE HAD HOMEWORK?!” conversation with our classmates. A lot of teachers don’t accept late work. AWKWARD! Yeah it’s hard, but it’ll pay off - Come on - you’ve heard it all before.
Do avoid ARA at all costs. Okay so I’m pretty sure it won’t hurt anyone’s feelings when we say ARA… yeah.... no, thanks. Not always the most delectable
Don’t miss them on Friendsgiving. It will help remind you why we deal with ARA every other day.
Do participate in NPU athletics. Athletes will honestly not have much time to do anything; Practice, games, mandatory open gyms, meetings, individual workouts, mandatory volunteering, and team gatherings while take up most of your schedule. Get over it! It has its perks: Getting to know people, Being blessed enough to play on a college level team. Free trips, food, clothes, shoes, and family.
Do balance your work and school. Don’t get so addicted to making money that you neglect your school work (the extra pair of shoes is not worth it). Having money in your pocket is all a college student asks for, but if you don’t have to, don’t overwork yourself. “Fatigue shows on more than the playing field”. Don’t let it show in your school work because it’s a lot harder to go uphill than down.
Don’t fall behind. Get the hard part done first so everyday can get easier instead of harder.
Don’t (insert bad life choice here) the night before (insert important occurrence here), then wonder why (insert bad response to bad life choice) happens.
Do act like an adult, if you want to be treated like an adult. College is supposed to be fun but let’s try to act civilized...at least sometimes, you guys. We get it. New place, new experiences, new trouble to get into- it’s all fun, until something adverse happens and you regret EVERYTHING. Let's try to keep those moments minimal.
Remember that college is supposed to be the best time of your life. Don’t ruin it if you don’t have to. Be smart. Stay safe. Stay on top of your work. Try to stomach ARA. You will SUCCEED!