Perhaps an objective outsider understands your mental state better than you yourself. I certainly qualify as an outsider, since my formal schooling ended 50 years ago when my real education began. As for mental, you be the judge… Please understand, though, that the following generalizations and advice are not aimed at all undergrads, merely the majority in North America.
First of all, you’re going to continue stressing over grades, exorbitant tuition fees, your appearance, and lovelife (or lack of). What can you do about it?
Learn to relax and your marks will probably improve.
As recently suggested by a Guelph professor, cash from prostitution should more than cover the cost of tuition…but that’s up to you.
Protest regularly against tuition fees, as well as political crap, the so-called justice system, capitalism, etc. Organizing or joining a protest march won’t change anything, but you’ll feel better about doing something, especially on a sunny day.
Speak your mind and stop being so nice. If people find you somewhat repulsive, too bad! At least the friend(s) you make will be more genuine than superficial acquaintances.
Nothing says you have to dress in the current fashion for young adults; instead wear comfortable and less expensive stuff. It’s what’s inside your head that counts, not the clothes you’re hiding behind.
As for sex, have fun without guilt. And don’t forget that your right hand is the most reliable tool in the world. Unless you’re a lefty.
Not living in the now inevitably means remorse in the future when you’re saddled with a mortgage, a crabby spouse and two squalling brats.
A bit of stress in our lives is absolutely necessary. But if you feel it’s getting out of hand, seek professional counseling.
One of the main problems for wide-eyed and bushy-tailed fresh (wo)men results from a lack of purpose, other than having lots of parties and getting a diploma. They imagine this piece of paper guarantees a well-paying job.
Fuggedabahdit! The marketplace is unpredictable and with or without a degree, you may end up flipping burgers at some greasy spoon.
No way, you say? Well, lemme introduce you to a couple of my friends, both with PhDs. One’s a Public Transportation Official (taxi driver); the other, a Property Maintenance Specialist (janitor).
Money’s tight and you can afford only cheap food and drink, but once in awhile buy a good liquor (Louis XIV cognac, for example) or a premium beer, such as craft IPA. As for food, occasionally try an exotic dish such as ‘mousaka’ or ‘daal.’
Thus, if university proves to be a waste of time and money, at least you’ll have acquired a taste for the good life.
And travel as far as you can. Not only does it broaden your mind, observing people in different locales helps to reduce your prejudices.
Ignore the past; you can’t change your upbringing. Instead, develop an awareness of how much brainwashing has led to your present state of mind.
Keep away from religion, and never put on a uniform.
The only cool thing about cigarettes is the slab they put you on at the morgue. And forget about drugs; most of them will only screw up your head.
And finally, believe nothing you read – including the Ontarion – and only half of what you see.