With my second to last column as a college journalist, I figured it was about the appropriate time to launch into a confession-filled lewd rage of suppressed irritation. I wrote out my entire column, “The Five Things I Learned at Cornell,” of which the main gist was:

 1. Ithaca weather sucks

2. Going Greek is not the only way to have a social life — being an athlete is another way; otherwise, there is only going Greek

3. 8:40 class is the worst thing to happen to students since the advent of 10:10 class

4. Fishbowls and CTP on a Wednesday is never — I mean always — a good idea

5. Ithaca weather really, really sucks

 After spending countless hours working on that column (.5 to be exact), I realized that I had little suppressed irritation to actually write about. I had just walked out of Wines, it was above 60 degrees outside and there was leftover dinner waiting for me — life was pretty good. Truthfully, the five items listed above are not five things I have learned here at Cornell, but rather a summary of the top five issues currently trending on CollegeACB. Already thinking about the topic, however, I decided to devise a list of five things I actually learned here at Cornell. In full disclosure, this list is much more philosophical and significantly less risqué. Nonetheless, I believe these represent a few valuable lessons from my time on the Hill.

 Lesson 1: Work your tail off when you need to, and savor your free time when you don’t.

 One of the reasons I have been successful and generally happy during college is because I effectively manage my time. When I have a paper, prelim or assignment due, I sit down, eliminate any possible distractions and get the work done. I know countless people who regularly venture off to the library to complete an assignment, but instead spend hours on Facebook, gChat and ESPN. The stress and negative consequences of procrastination always outweigh the benefits of pushing off work. Soon to be entering the professional world, I have realized free time is a rare and valuable commodity. Learning to eliminate distractions and effectively manage my time has not been easy, but it is one of the more valuable skills I acquired.

 Lesson 2: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals but also a few people who are completely different.

 I did not join a fraternity, and I will admit that, at times, I do regret it. Nonetheless, I managed to make friends with many students who have the same interests, hobbies and qualities as I do, which is surely one of the primary advantages people find in going Greek. These individuals have contributed immensely to my enjoyable experience here at Cornell. In addition to these friends, however, by both chance and initiative I have made a number of friends who come from wildly different backgrounds than my own. In addition to studying abroad, on campus I lived with four international students from different countries who had vastly unique personalities. These experiences have taught me an incredible amount about different cultures but have also given me a new perspective on my own background. No matter where you are, you should always try to meet both like-minded individuals and people you would not ordinarily associate with. 

 Lesson 3: There are a lot of people with opinions, but very few who actually matter.

 I write for The Sun and publish an article with my opinion every other Friday. Does that mean you should listen to me? Of course not. Especially in college, we are bombarded with the opinions of others. From our parents to our friends to faceless users on CollegeACB, everyone seems eager to judge and express beliefs about others. Seeking different points of view and asking different people for feedback is a vital part of making informed and educated decisions. At the end of the day, however, take a step back and think about who really matters in your life. Maybe your family and friends do, but maybe your sorority sisters and that boy across the hall really don’t. It is important to consider how those around you feel, but it is more important to realize that how you feel is really the only opinion that matters.

 Lesson 4: Find a balance between short-term enjoyment and long-term goals, for their crossroad is now.

 Similarly to lesson 1, we should try to savor the moment while also thinking prudently about the future. Many of us are good at one or the other, but not both. Either completely devoting ourselves to potential career success or partying incessantly in the present, striking a balance is often elusive. I have learned the importance of working hard and capitalizing on the many opportunities we are provided. However, I have also realized that as I get older, many more burdens and obstacles will arise than those I am currently forced to deal with. It is important to invest time and energy for a bright tomorrow, but you should enjoy yourself today because tomorrow is never a guarantee.

 Lesson 5: At the end of the day, find what makes you happy.

 We spend both our college careers and our lives slaving away, but for what? Some people are motivated by money, power and prestige. Some people are motivated by family, friendship and love. Many people are likely motivated by a combination of these factors. No matter what it is that drives you, spend as much time and effort as you can figuring that out. For me, college has been exactly this type of experience. The only way to be happy is by actually knowing what makes you happy. Above all else, take the time to find out what this means for you. 

Shaun Werbelow is a senior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He may be contacted at swerbelow@cornellsun.com. Second Opinion appears alternate Fridays this semester.