Ever since Red (Taylor’s Version) was released on November 12, I have been listening to it on repeat as I walk around campus. I found out that I can actually walk from Louis Redding Hall to Purnell within one listen of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” Notoriously known for messages in her songs about passion and heartbreak, there is a lot of advice Swift gives through her poetic lyrics. Most of this advice has to do with relationships, but there is so much more Swift reveals to us.
Here is advice I have found from Red (Taylor’s Version) that can make your life as a college student much easier.
“And it took some time, but I understand it now” — The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version)
Learning new concepts can be frustrating and difficult. Sometimes you feel like you will never understand it, but if you take your time and focus, you will be able to learn how the concept works. To be successful, it is not about how fast you learn but how great you learn. The more time you take to understand a concept, the greater your understanding of it will be.
“Tonight’s the night we forget about the deadlines” — 22 (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor isn’t the only one who forgets about deadlines. As college students, we are constantly balancing when to do our work based on its due date. Write down deadlines right when you receive them and don’t wait until the last minute. Set a reminder on your phone for deadlines as well!
“Never looking down” – Holy Ground (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift knows how busy foot traffic gets around campus. Look up, never look down. You don’t want to trip and fall or run into something.
“This is the last time you tell me I’ve got it wrong” – The Last Time (Taylor’s Version)
One of the most aggravating feelings is working on a problem and getting the wrong answer over and over again. It is discouraging trying to solve a problem and not knowing how. Don’t give up though. Take a few deep breaths, review your steps, and find the spot where you went wrong in the problem. Believe in yourself and you will get it right.
“Realizing all you ever wanted was right there in front of you” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
There can definitely be low points in college when everything seems to be a struggle. Something that we can forget at those times is that there is help right in front of us. The University of Delaware has so many support programs for academic, career, and personal success. In those moments of uncertainty, just remember that what you want is possible here, and that there are opportunities available to you 24/7.
“We broke the status quo” – The Very First Time (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
This is probably the best advice Taylor Swift can give you. Break the status quo. College is the time to get out of your comfort zone, take challenges, and make a difference. As you navigate through your academic and career paths, take the opportunities in front of you. With the right mindset, you can break down any barriers and achieve your goals.
Image Source: Beth Garrabrant, used in this WSJ article
