The Seven Deadly Sins of College

     I've only been attending college for two semesters now, but after lots of observation and plenty of mistakes made, I've compiled a list of no-no's. Here are seven things to steer clear of during your final years of schooling--the seven deadly sins of college!

Sloth
     I'll finished that essay... tomorrow. I'll wake up early for class... next time. I'll study for the test... after one more episode of COPS. Does this sound like you? If so, get off your butt and get busy! With all the freedom you're given in college, it's easy to slack off. I've done it. You're no longer trapped behind a chicken-wire fence like you were in high school. Nobody is going to chase after you if you leave, and nobody is going to hold your hand and remind you to finish your homework. Since nobody is telling you what to do anymore, it's pretty tempting to fall behind and enjoy your newfound freedom a little TOO much. The best way to avoid sloth is to never start it. Don't skip any classes, because one turns into one-too-many. Don't put off your homework, because one night turns into waiting 'till the night before. Fight the laziness!

Greed
     For some students, college is all about the ca$h m0n3y. (Sorry about that.) Their main goal consists of earning a degree that will get them the highest-paying career possible, whether they actually enjoy what they're doing or not. To me, that seems all wrong. I understand it, sure! College prepares you for a job, which you'll use to support yourself. But don't make your college career revolve around money. Pick a major that you'll actually enjoy. I chose Journalism--not because it would make me the most money (to be honest, I'll probably end up struggling for a few years) but because I love to write. I'm not sitting here typing up this blog entry for school, and I'm not getting paid. I'm writing this because it makes me happy. Writing is my passion. Don't choose your major with greed as your main motivation. Choose something you will genuinely enjoy doing your entire life.

Lust
     I'm just gonna be blunt here--college is FULL of gorgeous dudes. Yes, when you're on a campus with thousands upon thousands of students, a good percentage of them are bound to be good-looking. However, only a small percentage of those good-looking guys are actually non-douchebag dating material. College is a time to have fun, so don't waste your golden years chasing after some idiot frat boy or dealing with heartbreak after heartbreak. Keep it light, and if you do happen to find that one person who keeps your flame lit for more than just one evening, take the risk. That being said, there is nothing wrong with dating and flirting around in your college years... Just remember to protect your heart and your body. Also, remember that nobody likes a whore.

Gluttony
     Luckily, my school is pretty good when it comes to healthy food and snacks. We've got little shops all across campus selling grape cups, fruit salads, healthy soup, smoothies, vitamin water, you name it. However, things get a lil' scary once you venture further back into the store. Rows and rows of candy bars, ten different brands of greasy chips, hot cheetos, donuts, and nachos with that nasty, neon orange cheese. We even have a make-your-own milkshake machine, no joke! When it comes to staying healthy during college, all you have to do is make good decisions. Don't just reach for the nearest bag of chips--stand there for a minute or two and decide which brand has less fat/sugar/evil chemicals in it. Grab a fruit salad instead of a hot pocket. Steer clear of the campus fast food joints. All it takes is a conscious effort.

Anger
     "Ugh, I hate this teacher!" or "I hate this class!" or even "I hate this entire college!" are just a few of the remarks I've heard classmates say this past year. I may have been guilty as well. Next time a teacher assigns you a crappy essay or 50 pages of reading, keep calm. You are in college for a reason, and that reason is to actually learn something. You aren't forking over tons of cash to the school system so you can skip class and skate by doing as little work as possible, are you? A degree won't mean anything if you never actually learn about the subject. So instead of getting frustrated with that huge Sociology paper due tomorrow, just buck up and get it done. After all, nobody is forcing you to stay in school--learn how to handle it or get up and leave!

Envy
     In my opinion, a little competition is a good thing. It gives you that little itch to work harder and become a better student. However, never let jealousy take the wheel... It will steer you in a bad, bad direction. They key to avoiding envy is not to be better than everybody else, but rather to be happy with yourself the way you are. If you like yourself as a person, accept that you're not perfect and know that you're trying the best you can to succeed, there is no need to be jealous of anybody else. Be yourself, because you are the only YOU there is. Nobody likes a copy-cat or a person who is uncomfortable in their own skin. Never be afraid to be your weird, lovely, amazing self.

Pride
     To be completely honest, I don't really consider pride as a "sin." I just don't think having pride is all that terrible. If you're good at painting, why not hang your work on the walls for all to see? If you've just gotten accepted into your dream school, why not shout it from the rooftops? As long as you don't let yourself get out of control or brag to put down others, what is so wrong about taking pride in yourself and all that you do? Flaunt it if you got it!