College teaches young adults about trade-offs and to learn what is most important in life.

Going into college can be exciting for freshmen. No longer under their parents’ supervision, they are able to chose their own path. People are quick to join different organizations that they might have not joined while in high school. It is a time of exploring new possibilities.

This can also be a time of great opportunity with internships or a part-time job. Students often get part-time jobs in order to earn some extra money or to help pay for college. As time goes by, internships also become available. Suddenly, you can get paid while learning more about your field.

With all of this, one needs to have proper time management skills. Even with the best of time management, not everything can happen. Sometimes there is a choice between a social event, extra credit or extra work shifts, for example. These are trade-offs in which young adults are learning to prioritize what is most important.

This is not always an easy decision. Picking between homework and friends may not sound fun. As many students note, Creighton is not a cheap university; it can be expensive. Students sometimes have to help cover the cost. This results in them having to work an extra job or two.

Working two jobs is hard well being a full-time student.  This really teaches students quickly how to make time for what is important. Sometimes it means less time with friends or cramming for a test the day before. While some jobs allow more flexibility around school, others do not.

The reality is that working part-time can teach students some of the most essential lessons for a successful career. One learns that not everything is possible. People figure out how to schedule around events that cannot be moved. Students learn that showing up is important to keep the job. It is not like class where not showing up once or twice can be excused. In some jobs, not showing up once is enough to be fired.

Students learn that keeping good grades is not as simple as high school. Studying for the test once or twice is not going to cut it. This can mean that Saturdays are spent inside studying versus going out with friends. One learns to combine activates such as studying with friends versus playing video games.

I am not saying college is all about giving up what one loves. It is, rather, not being able to have as much free time as there once was. Learning to balance everything is important and becomes helpful outside of college. Once students graduate, there are no excuses for why things did not get done. There are no extensions for projects or late work allowed.

College is the best time for students to learn how to balance everything. They learn how trade-offs truly work in the everyday world. These skills are going to come in hand once college is over. These skills can help make one a greater employee as the work force involves constant multitasking. It is a skill that cannot be taught but has to be learned. It will last and make one a greater person.