You wake up in the morning and scroll down your Facebook page. An hour later, you realize you’re still scrolling, and logout! You open your book to study when you hear the sound of a notification, and wonder if it’s from that Instagram post you made three minutes ago. You check your Instagram and scroll for another hour. Again, you take notice, log out, and get back to your book. Your mother comes to your room, asking you to go shopping with her; you refuse because you are busy. Your mother leaves you alone and you return to reading people’s comments on your photos. Now let’s think: you wasted your study time for an online world — something that’s not real — and then wasted time on social media instead of bonding with your mom. Is it still true that social media connects us to people? Or does it separate us from what’s real? I think if you want to be known and want to be something big, do something big! Posting online about all the things you’re doing won’t make you special.
Esra Al-Abduljabar
It is not easy for full-time students at university to study and hold down jobs simultaneously. In a schedule where work and school overlap each other, the stress can be overwhelming — especially when there are major assignments, mid-terms, and final exams approaching. Coupling that with family life and a shell of a social life, where does one find the time to breathe, much less sleep? However, from personal experience I have found that having a part-time job and being a full-time student has taught me to be more responsible with time management, to have empathy for those whose workload is much fuller than mine, and to prioritize what is important in my life. The sacrifices and hard work students put into their studies and jobs create well-rounded young men and women who are pursuing worthy goals. In any span of time, whether it is one year, two, four, or more, the student life will be looked back upon as both a humbling and rewarding experience. So carry on, and work hard!
Rachel Tait
If I were a doctor, I would prescribe people to cut one hour of their Netflix watching per week and go to the gym instead. Especially you UFV students — yes, you! With the SUS U-Pass, there are five recreational centres in Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack that students can go to at no extra charge. This includes being able to use the pools, weight rooms, fitness classes, and other amenities at these facilities for free.
At times I feel completely addicted to Netflix, but at the end of the day, going to the gym benefits me more than Netflix ever will. Even when I think I am too tired and unmotivated to go, when I drag myself to do some exercise I find myself re-energized by the end of it. It’s a great break and destressor from being glued to a seat and studying so hard. Above all, I am in love with my newfound bicep definition — and glutes!
Melissa Ly
The fall season is well underway, and the winter rains are beginning to start. Even though it’s been raining almost every day for weeks, I still see people rushing around campus without an umbrella, coat, or even a hood!
It’s important to keep yourself (and your expensive textbooks, and your laptop) dry during the wet season. When you have to go outside in the winter in the Fraser Valley, you should always assume that even if there isn’t a cloud in the sky, the weather could be terrible and rainy later, and so you should always bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket. Even if you don’t mind getting wet, your electronics and books definitely do. If you are thinking of selling your textbooks after the semester ends, you can usually get a much better price for them if they aren’t water damaged. It’s also important to make sure your bag is waterproof or at least water-resistant if you’re carrying books or electronics, because the wet could soak through and dampen your things. Staying dry is important not just for your own health, but for the longevity of your things.
Catherine Bell
Images: Danielle Collins
