College students are their own worst enemy.

What I had understood it from movies and online discussions was that college was this massive feat, this way of life that would take up most of your time, that would leave you with no choice but to focus on your education. I had heard the stories of students, breaking down because of the lack of time, because of the new information being overwhelming. I had also heard the stories of young adults presented with near-limitless freedom: parties, clubs, friend groups, activities, etc. It all seemed so overwhelming, as though turning eighteen years old would introduce someone to a whole new world.

When I began college, I didn't know what to expect. Being Class of 2020, my senior year was cut short, with a month or two spent online. I elected to go to a small campus, a single building in the business district of the city. A glorified basement, really. Since the pandemic was still full swing, I did my first semester online. While doing so, I made a realization about college life. 

I am my own worst enemy.

The work presented is not difficult, at least not terribly so (granted, the courses first-year students typically get are gen-eds).There is a reasonable amount of time to get work done, unless you chose to burden yourself with work-study. There are countless resources available - school libraries, counselors, friends you share courses with being a few examples. Most of what you're doing is the same stuff you've been doing since elementary: go to school, do your work there, come home, do your work there. So why is college so difficult?

The newfound independence is what I believe strikes so many students down. The ability, the freedom to put off work until later is new for many college students. Typically, in elementary or high school, your teachers would be on your back, your parents would be breathing down your neck, demanding that you do your work. Many of us would actually receive punishments for putting off work. Adding onto that, elementary school work was typically due the day after it was assigned, meaning you didn't have much time to procrastinate. It was due now, so you'd do it now.

Consider this: which of these assignments would you do on day one, the assignment due tomorrow or the assignment due next Friday?

I'm sure some of you would answer that you'd do both on day one, because you're good noodles. I'd congratulate you on that, but you're most likely the exception to the rule. 

For the rest of us, understand that the freedom given to young adults is addicting. Many of us are addicted to the ability to put things off and have fun now. This lack of discipline is why we find ourselves worrying about work so often. We know that it's due, but the freedom tastes too good to let go.

Some questions to leave you with:

Are you addicted to freedom?

How often do you procrastinate?

Do you think your grades would be better if almost every assignment you were given (with the exception of larger projects) was due the day after it was assigned?

Tell me what you think.