When coming to college, we were warned that the job market is competitive. The world is our oyster, but we have to use our college years to absorb as much wisdom, gain enough experience and build a big enough network in order to prove our worth to the workforce.

As freshmen and transfers, we joined registered student organizations, paid our dues to our fancy honors societies, and hopefully, found ourselves on the executive boards of those same organizations. It is all well and good to have these honors and earn another line on a resume, but I am writing this week because I am tired and frustrated with those who knowingly bite off more than they can chew.

It happens to everyone.

Balancing a rough week, juggling overlapping deadlines and trying to manage a personal life is sometimes impossible. Existence feels like a peach pit in the garbage disposal, and no matter how much of a mess you are in, someone keeps trying to turn on the switch. It is gross and it is messy. Part of growing up is learning how to manage your time, and sometimes that can only happen if things fall through the cracks.

No one is perfect, but consider how your actions affect others.

Being on an executive board is tough, and I would know, I am the Vice President of an honors society and an RSO. I have a full course load, I work and I have a life. I get it, but it is absolutely infuriating when the ball is dropped on me.

Over the past few weeks I have watched my peers crumble under the weight that was not theirs to bear, but it was put on their shoulders anyway. Now, the pressure is really on, for they are not only responsible for their own workloads, but now they have to carry that of someone else.

Collaborative efforts are made of a bunch of moving pieces, but if they are mismanaged, the efforts cannot be fruitful.

The temptation to acquire as many experiences during one’s undergraduate career is real, and there are those out there who make the impossible look like a walk in the park, but considering one’s own limits is so important, not only for the individual, but for the wellbeing of the campus at large.

RSOs, societies, group projects and hall councils cannot survive on members’ half-assing their way through every week.

An individual is only as good as their word, so the next time you pick up an additional responsibility, consider how you, yourself, will contribute to the growth and success of your organization or project.

I believe it was Ron Swanson who said, “Never half-ass two things, whole ass one thing,” and that sentiment reigns true.

The lines on your resume only mean as much as you make them, and if the greatest thing you took from the experience as a president, partner, secretary or sponsor are the tiny 12 point letters, you have some reevaluating to do.

Abigail Carlin is a junior English language arts major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or at alcarlin@eiu.edu.