My first quarter of college is almost over. It’s definitely been an adjustment. I’ve been stressed out the past 2 weeks, trying to make sure my final grades stay high. Lots of panicking and worrying about how things are going to get done too. But I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. It might only be one quarter, but things are starting to fall into place.
I bombed my first history exam. I thought I was screwed. Then I got a 92% on the next one. I’ve only missed 2 classes, so my participation grade should be fine. Then the professor offered an extra credit assignment.
I got a B on my first finance exam. Was OK with that. Then came the 75% on a paper. Sh*t! Got another paper back today. 95%!
The point of this is to show how things can look HORRIBLE. But that can change in just a day or two. Last week, I had convinced myself that I’d be getting two Cs in my first college courses (my other classes are pass/fail). Not the way I ever thought my first quarter would go.
The same is true when it comes to money. When my seasonal job ended last winter, I wad frustrated. I wanted to save a bit of cash for school. Have spending money to hang out with friends during the summer. Thanks to some work on my part and a healthy dose of luck, I managed to get a job at the Census Bureau earning a sweet 10 bucks an hour.
That job gave me a sizable emergency fund for the first time ever. I’m one of the few college students with $1,200 saved up for when things get out of control. In a weird way, being unemployed during the winter of senior year was a good thing. If I would have kept my minimum wage retail job, I never would have even applied to the Census Bureau.
The point is that things can look real crappy, but turn around in an instant. With some action and a bit of luck, a lot of obstacles will melt away. And whatever event you thought was “the worst” could actually end up being one of the best.
