Far too often, college students lose sight of what makes us truly happy. Many students become so ingrained in their ideas of success that they often overlook some of the most basic needs as human beings. This is particularly true now as many of us gear up for the first round of midterm exams.

We skip meals in favor of studying for tests, we bail on plans with friends to finish our weekend errands and we allow our GPAs to define our budding self-identities. In short, we become so caught up in this microcosm that is college that we forget to take care of ourselves in the long-term.

As a senior this year, my classes have changed dramatically. They are no longer characterized by the apathetic students zoning out to mindlessly scroll through Pinterest; instead, I find myself surrounded by driven and competitive peers ready to make the plunge into the professional world after graduation. The stakes are much higher now and not a single classmate seems to undervalue the importance of the graduation that looms just a few months away.

The collective stress can be felt by walking into any one of my five classes this semester, and it manifests itself in an ugly way. When I casually ask, “How is your week going?” my question is typically met with a look of exhaustion and a disgruntled, “Busy. My week is very busy.” I don’t blame my classmates, though. As a senior working three jobs, I can completely relate to being overwhelmed, but, this year, I have also come to understand the importance in taking care of yourself above all else.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe that students, especially seniors, should be career-oriented, but I also believe that we have a responsibility to make time for the things we love in the midst of all our academic craziness. By pushing ourselves too far we may, literally, make ourselves sick. Whenever I allow stress to overtake my life, things like sleeping, eating well and exercising become some of my last priorities, when, in reality, they might be the only activities to keep me sane and healthy.

To combat the stress of everyday life, I have started to make the time for hiking. It has always been one of my favorite outdoor activities and it enables me to readily clear my mind. When I finally reach the cathartic moment of standing on top of a large hill or mountain, it always serves to remind me of how insignificant my problems are compared to the vastness of this world. It helps me remember that I don’t have to feel bad because I can choose to be happy instead.

Your happiness is defined by the choices you make. Only you have the power to build yourself up into a stronger, more fulfilled person. You just need to focus on loving the person you are, and if you don’t, it’s time to start making some new choices. That’s the beauty of life: not every decision you make will be your last. Instead of letting the stress of assignments, work tasks and fears of your future define you, choose to live for today and make sure your mental and physical health are in check. If you focus on doing something that makes you a happier, healthier person each day, the rest will fall into place.

It’s easy to get lost in your four to six years at this institution; hell, I lose sight of myself multiple times a day, but I choose to push that negativity out of my life and find the things that I like about myself instead. I know all of this is easier said than done, but reminding yourself each day is an important first step. As long as you maintain the philosophy that you are the only person in control of your own happiness, then happiness will come to you whether you believe it or not.

So stop worrying so much about your upcoming test or essay. As long as you choose to put forth your best effort, you will be fine. And if you don’t pass, then so be it. Life is defined by opportunities. You can always prove yourself in other ways. Today is an opportunity; you just have to take advantage of everything today has to offer.

I leave you with the wise words of my middle school principal: make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.

Daniel Coffey studies journalism. He can be reached at dcoffey@unr.edu.