I love running because of how beneficial it is to me. It keeps me both mentally and physically healthy. Plus, it is something I truly enjoy. Yet (true to my millennial form), I only like it when the conditions are right for me. I run the fastest and furthest when the sun is out with a nice breeze because I’m comfortable and confident. Unfortunately, those days are few and far between. Especially as of late, the days tend to be freezing, raining, and gray. On those less than optimal days, I have a choice to make. I can choose to run outside in the cold, log some panful miles on the treadmill, or say “the heck with it” and not run at all—thus missing out on something that at the core I truly enjoy. Even though a run is so much harder with unfavorable conditions, I choose to push through to get to that end result and feel the endorphins pulse through my veins.
I think about powering through those tough runs when I think about pushing through the second semester of senior year. When I’m taking classes in my major with my favorite teachers, I’m thriving. However, when I’m any other class, they feel like a different language. When I try to keep up with an internship, a full course-load, a social life, and a job, I feel like I am running on a treadmill and getting shin-splints along the way. The end of the run seems further and further away every day until I remember that graduation day will make it all worth it.
(Photo via @neesh.nation)
If you feel like you’re falling behind in classes or feeling slow, just remember even though the conditions are hard like running on a treadmill, you’re still running for the reward that is just around the corner. It’s hard to keep up with all of your extra-curricular activities while balancing school, but it makes you a fighter and well-rounded. The most successful people I know are the ones who fought the hardest battles through the worst conditions and came out on top. Conquering senior year and all of the stresses of job applications and finding motivation can feel like the hardest time of your life, but it’s going to feel amazing when all of the hard work paid off. Think of your senior year as a victory lap.
(Photo via @taylormariesz)
During the difficult “run” this semester, remember to take your time and enjoy the final stretch. Sprint it out with all you have and don’t get caught up in those unfavorable conditions such as irritating teachers, overwhelming assignments, drama, or the fear of the unknown post-grad. Your senior year is all about finishing strong instead of wearing yourself thin. Keep motivated to finish your college experience and push through no matter what the circumstances.
(Photo via @therachelstory)
If you let the stress or difficulty of this time weigh you down, you miss out on savoring the moment. You won’t have another senior year; you can’t recreate the college experience. So don’t just push through it—embrace it all. The high-highs, the low-lows, and everything in between. Because the beauty of this time will be gone before you know it.
How are you making the most of your senior year? Let us know in the comments below!
