Stress in My Life

Joshlynn Dereza

English 101, Section #12257

Mallery-Webb

09/20/11

Illustrative Essay

Stresses in My Life as a College Student

Stress is a common problem that affects almost all of us at some point in our lives. We face academic difficulties, social connection, family issues, and daily responsibilities. Not knowing how to deal with the demands of being a college student, and for some a full time job can create a portion of pressure and stress. As a college student there are a mass amount of life changing decisions we have to make and challenges we face daily. Some of those encounters can academic and financial obstacles. For example, my main stresses only sometimes seem impossible to find stability between school, friends, and family, a part-time job, and college soccer. It can be highly difficult to keep a healthy state of mind when you are constantly pushing your limits.

One of my stresses is college because coming out fresh from high school I believed college was going to calm, but I was mistaken. Before classes had even started I was used to my counselor handling my schedule for the year, but a great transformation is that college is not about depending on other people. At Phoenix College I was not aware that I had to tell the advisors what classes I wanted to take, but I had absolutely no clue on what I wanted to proceed with my career. It was a major struggle because I am used to individuals telling me what to do, but in this case I am the actual person that is in charge of my future. As the first few weeks of school I had so much pressure on my back that I thought I was going to scream for help as loud as I can. For example: My instructors wanted the class to have our textbooks by a specific date and I was under so much tension because I had not gotten my financial aid money and I did not want to have the instructors to say I am irresponsible and cannot manage. My financial account was finally being processed and I was able to get my textbooks all on time for my classes. Another reason why college stresses me is because I am new to the independent environment which means you are responsible for your own necessities and work. Also, I am perusing to earn an associate’s degree and in order to earn the degree my grades have to be above average.

Another hassle I have to deal with is my family. I love my family so much, but I get enough pressure on school to be hearing all the comments they have to say to me. For instance, my mother complains abundantly on how late I stay up every night doing homework and that my chores and bedroom are not complete. My family expects me to do all the things I used to do while I was in high school, but there is just no time. The reason why my family stresses me out is because they don’t realize how busy I have become. Coming home every day I not only have to rush and finish my homework for my classes, but I have to do my chores and other errands I have to do before I can have time to do anything else. If I choose not to do what I am required to do then I will be inquiring it from my mother and when she is disappointed there is no reasoning with her. As you can see, my family expects me to do all these errands while they know I have pile of homework every night and it stresses me because I do not want to get in trouble by mom and second I want to have all my work done on time.

My part time job and college soccer are one of my main concerns that I have. Also, I do have a tight schedule in the mornings at school which I get out about every day around one o clock in the afternoon. Starting