As a college student stress is part of the gig. New way of life means new stressors. College students of all levels experience stress in a variety of ways. Some freshmen worry about exams, a random roommate, or gaining fifteen pounds. As an older adult my stress is a little different. I can relate to the academic stress of homework and exams. I often wonder if I will have enough time to study or even be able to study in an effective way. While I must make time for school, there are lots of other things on my plate as an adult freshman. My off campus looks a little different than a freshman living in the dorms. I live an hour away and work two jobs all while being enrolled in 15 credits. I am stressed most days.
Major aspects of my stressors fall under the category of time management. Having a full work schedule that’s suddenly stuffed with homework and class has been and continues to be a big challenge. My commute from school takes two hours. Add my commute to my two jobs and I spend over three hours in my car every day. Making time for everything seems impossible most weeks. By the end of the day, I am beat and have little time or energy for much else. It’ll take some getting used to because these stressors won’t be disappearing anytime soon.
