#002

Taking Charge: Proactive College Living

By Leilani Sigsbey (504 words)

Alright, fellow third/fourth-year college students, let's talk about the whirlwind that is campus life. Between assignments, clubs, and the looming question of what comes after graduation, it's easy to feel like we're riding a rollercoaster. But you know what? Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" dropped some wisdom bombs, and I've got to say, it's a game-changer.

Seizing Control: Tales from the Lecture Hall

Picture this: it's a Thursday morning, and I'm juggling three assignments and a club meeting. The temptation to let the chaos take over is strong. But Covey's words reminisce in my head. I remember Viktor Frankl's story, finding strength in choosing his attitude during the darkest of times. It hits me; I have the power to shape this college journey.

Architect of My Destiny: Navigating Academic Storms

Now, let's talk about those moments when a professor drops a surprise assignment, or when group projects seem more like group headaches. It's easy to point fingers, but Covey reminded me that I'm not a victim of circumstance. I'm the architect of my destiny. So, instead of blaming, I took charge. I owned my decisions, crafted a plan, and set the course for academic and personal growth.

The Circle of Influence: A Lesson in Campus Dynamics

Here's a gem Covey shared - the "Circle of Influence", it's all about focusing on what we can control. So, when the campus buzzes with debates and discussions, I zero in on where my voice can truly make a difference. This concept became my secret weapon for tackling bigger challenges and staying true to what matters most.

Mindful Choices: From Exam Rooms to Personal Missions

Midterms, finals, you name it - college is a marathon of academic challenges. Reacting impulsively isn't an option. So, I embraced Covey's advice on mindful responses. Crafting a "Personal Mission Statement" became my North Star. It’s the compass guiding me, even in the midst of exam frenzy.

Empowering Language: Shaping Conversations

We often underestimate the power of words. Covey's emphasis on proactive language hit home. Swapping "I have to" with "I choose to" transformed tasks into conscious decisions. Suddenly, every assignment wasn't a burden, but a choice I made towards my goals. It was a game-changer in how I approached my college journey.

A Journey, Not a Destination: Lessons from the Quad

College is a whirlwind, and proactivity is no one-time achievement. It's a journey. It's about being aware, mindful, and committed to growth. So, as I navigate the complexities of college life, I'm constantly flexing my proactivity muscles. It's about embracing every twist and turn, and learning from each experience.

Incorporating Covey's first habit into my daily college life has been a game-changer. It's empowered me to take charge, to craft my own narrative, and to choose my responses in every situation. Remember what Covey said, "Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response." Here's to an empowered, proactive, and intentional college journey ahead!