When you come to college, it’s easy to be defined by everything but what you actually are.
There’s your UFID number, your majors and minors, how many credits you are taking, how many clubs you are in. It’s a never-ending cycle. Just typing it out feels exhausting.
There’s more. How many leadership positions do you have, what’s your GPA, how much of a Gator are you or who takes on the most?
It’s easy to lose yourself in these labels and numbers, especially in a university where it’s easy to feel small on a campus of thousands.
I think it’s time to break free of labels and numbers.
You’re more than just a student, your major or your ID number. College is all about finding out who you really are inside and outside of the classroom.
In my first few semesters, I’ve been guilty of getting caught up over unimportant measurements that I let define how I felt about my worth.
Attaching your worth to a grade on a test, your GPA or the major you’ve selected is exhausting and can crush your self-esteem.
This summer I’ve decided to stop using numbers and labels to define myself and discover who I am in ways outside of a transcript.
College is important, but not at the cost of who you are as a person and your mental health.
So as you begin Summer A, think of yourself as more than just a student.
It’s easy to lose yourself in comparisons and make college an experience that is not your own.
I’m not saying to disregard classes or the importance of extracurricular activities. College is a time to explore yourself beyond the bounds of just your grades or resume.
Make real experiences. Make memories. Go beyond your comfort zone and find where you belong at UF. Find your Gator family. Be more than a number or a label, and don’t compare your journey to someone else’s.
Sophie Feinberg is a UF journalism junior. Her column comes out on Tuesdays.
