Without a doubt, you’ve heard your parents gripe before, “Back when I was a kid…,” and thought the same thing as me: Stop. Those days have long since passed and the world has changed.

Yes, gas prices have more than doubled. A hamburger isn’t as thick as it used to be. No, movies aren’t just a dollar with a fifty-cent soda.

And, believe it or not, college has changed, too. Besides having to sell a kidney on the black market to pay tuition, college is not all it’s cracked up to be.

If you were raised like me, you heard one of your parents, multiple teachers or even family friends reminisce about their “glory days” in college.

These glory days were full of friends, late night dancing and what I’ve gathered as not too many nights hitting the books.

Today? Yeah, that doesn’t work as well for us.

There are classes to go to, there is homework to get done and jobs to do. Oh, and don’t forget to apply for that internship. And maybe think about doing undergraduate research, that looks good. You’re not in any extracurricular clubs? Well, you must hate people.

As important as it is to have fun, college is also a place to buckle down and form some habits you’ll keep for the rest of your life.

Your work ethic, attitude in stressful situations and relationships with people/God can all be solidified here.

But, as any JMC major can tell you, it’s essential to start building your career now.

College has become a slightly more anxious high school experience. We’re all vying for that company, firm or organization’s attention, always trying to top our classmates’ achievements.

Because, let’s be honest, these days it’s all about branding yourself.

You’ve seen it in your classes: one girl already runs her own fashion blog, another student sells products on Etsy and yet another interns in town while taking 18 hours.

Everyone is trying to set themselves apart.

So, can you have fun in college? Yes, of course.

Everything from here on out is about time management. Spend your fleeting moments and ever-depleting energy on what you believe is important. Try to maintain a balance.

That lesson takes a lifetime to learn, but it’s teachings are invaluable.

I may not be the poster child for time management, but I’m making progress. I start new each day with the grueling wake up call of reality and a tug on my heart to live more and to work more efficiently.