Rocky Beginnings Lead to Hopeful Futures

As this new year began, I started to take on a lot of responsibility. Between becoming a trainer at Target, taking over as Editor of the Billboard, and running the social media websites for the college store, I must say I was a little disoriented. All these things require a lot of time and responsibility. I was not sure how I was supposed to balance classes, homework, Billboard, and my two jobs. To be honest, I am not exactly sure how I am managing it now, but I must be doing something right because it is working.

Hannah Middaugh

However, this sense of balance took a while to achieve. From the first day of classes, everything was going wrong or not going the way I had planned out in my head. I was constantly trying to pinpoint when I was to get my homework done while also trying to take care of myself and work. I was stressed out to the point that my insomnia kicked into high gear and I was only getting about 2-3 hours of sleep a night if I was lucky. It was starting to take a toll on me. There were a few things keeping me sane, though.

The support system I have in my life kept me going forward. I was told multiple times, “Things will smooth out. Just breathe.” Being a pessimist, I found that hard to believe. I also would hear people say that I was doing a great job so far with the Billboard and others say they were proud of what I plan on doing with the Billboard. Hearing positive words and reassurances helped a lot.

Music also played a large role in keeping me motivated. I am a big music fan. I love finding new bands or singers to listen to, but this summer my main genre was Alternative Rock/Pop/Punk. A lot of the bands in this genre have songs that I find relatable. A lot of the songs I listened to over the summer and into the beginning of the semester pushed me to power through all my stress and overthinking.

Although the beginning of the semester was a rocky start, I now know that the rest of the semester is hopeful because, “I’m finally acquiring the state of mind that everything is going to be alright,” as Derek DiScanio from the band State Champs sings in their song “Elevated.”  Here’s to a hope filled semester!

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