I am a freshman getting by my first semester of college, and I am gradually being exposed to more issues such as the consequences of sleep deprivation as a result of the inability to balance various aspects of college life. To start, a large portion of my day is devoted to studying or completing homework and other assignments in order to receive good grades, given that I need to maintain a certain GPA for the Dual Admissions program and the Honors College. However, being a college student is not solely about getting an education; it is also about creating an unforgettable college experience. With that involves my commitment to clubs and organizations, such as the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, Hillel Jewish Organization, and MEDLIFE. On top of that, I have two jobs on campus that I also am required to attend to on a regular basis. Therefore, it is safe to say that balancing my academics, social life, extracurricular activities, work, and personal time with sleep is very difficult, considering there are only 24 hours in a day. Consequently, it can be concluded that I am sleep deprived because I simply do not have time for sleep. Although it is important to discuss the causes of sleep deprivation that I face along with my peers, it is more important to raise awareness on the effects of sleep deprivation and how they can hinder our daily functions. I reluctantly wake up every morning, and the first thought that comes to my head is, “when can I fit a nap into my schedule today?” At a first glance in the mirror, I can hardly recognize the zombie-looking face and dark-circled eyes looking back at me. As I attempt to carry on through the day, I find myself walking at turtle speed with my backpack weighing me down, and at times tripping over my own feet, considering the fact that “lack of sleep can…affect your balance and coordination” (Pietrangelo). Unfortunately, I become irritable and moody when I do not get enough sleep, thus causing mild tension in conversations with my friends. More often than not, I am extremely fatigued, lacking all the energy necessary to carry out my daily tasks without relying on a nap or a cup of coffee. Despite my greatest attempts at staying awake, I uncontrollably yawn, which results in an unfortunately involuntary nap in class. Ann Pietrangelo emphasizes that “the more obvious signs of sleep deprivation are excessive sleepiness, yawning and irritability,” all three symptoms of which I have first-hand account experience on a day-to-day basis (Pietrangelo). Even when I am physically awake and present in class, my mind is certainly not, thus prohibiting me from focusing and thinking critically. Clearly, there are more effects that go unnoticed on a daily basis, especially those that pertain to the brain and cognitive function. After recognizing my issue with sleep, I realized it was time for a change. Although it is easier said than done, I am taking small steps to change my habit of going to sleep ridiculously late. For instance, I try to get enough sleep so that I am functioning the next day and don't rely on a nap to get me through. By starting homework during the daytime rather than at night, I am saving myself a few hours later where I can sleep instead of cram homework. Moreover, I am in the midst of figuring out how to properly time manage by writing daily to-do lists in order of importance. Nonetheless, I still find myself sleep deprived, but I know that if I continue being pro-active, I will find that I am less sleep deprived than I was before I recognized the unhealthy effects of sleep deprivation on my mind and body.