Redefining College Life: 202Thrive
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We’ve all seen “202Thrive” pop up everywhere recently — on TikTok, in motivational posts, and maybe even on signs around campus. But what does it truly mean to thrive in 2025? Is it simply a trendy saying, or does it hold something more profound for us college students? Surprisingly, “202Thrive” isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It is adaptable to your life’s wants and needs. In fact, it's as customizable as your Starbucks coffee order!
For some, 202Thrive is all about embracing the YOLO mindset. The mindset where you say “yes” to everything. Midnight karaoke at Coosh’s, weekend road trips to Thomasville, or an impulsive night out. It’s about living in the moment, chasing experiences, and making memories you’ll laugh about years later. Thriving in this way means leaning into the chaos, the fun, the unfiltered energy of college life. And, as we know, Florida State has a lot of chaos and unfiltered energy to give...
But on the flip side, there’s the self-care, intentional living version of 202Thrive. Here, thriving doesn’t mean doing everything — it means doing what feels right for you. It’s about setting boundaries, focusing on your mental and physical health, and prioritizing long-term growth. Maybe it’s dedicating yourself to a study schedule so you can get President’s List or finally finding time for journaling and mindfulness to center yourself. For these thrivers, success isn’t measured by how busy you are but by how balanced you feel.
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But here’s the thing about 202Thrive: the two versions often cross paths unexpectedly. Take FSU’s iconic snow day this past week — the first real snow in years. For the YOLOers, it meant hitting up the clubs and bars and embracing the rare snow in Tallahassee as the ultimate reason to celebrate! Meanwhile, the self-care crowd was all about stepping out to see the snow, feeling it fall, and just soaking in the thrill of the rare moment. And yet, everyone came together — sledding down the hills, building snowmen, and having epic snowball fights, all while enjoying every minute. It wasn’t just a rare weather event, but a rare kind of joy where every type of thriver found their moment. Whether you were out there for the thrill or to spectate, it was a shared experience that unified the entire community to celebrate this special event.
Image Courtesy: Tallahassee Democrat
Ultimately, neither version draws strict lines. You could lean into one or both or switch it up as the semester unfolds. The beauty of 202Thrive is that it’s a blank slate waiting for you to define it in your way. Maybe it’s a dash of YOLO and a sprinkle of “me time.” Whatever it is, the key is finding what makes you feel alive and motivated to, you guessed it, thrive.
So, as you step into this new year, ask yourself: What does 202Thrive look like for me? Whether diving headfirst into every opportunity or taking intentional steps to build the life you want, remember, there are no rules or regulations. The title 202Thrive isn’t just about a mindset shift — it’s about embracing growth and thriving through something meaningful, like whatever this year represents to you. It’s personal, motivating, and designed to stick with you rather than being just another buzzword about change. This article is here to remind you that this year is all about what you make of it. So get out there, own it, and 202Thrive!
Strike Out,
Writer: Camila Alvarez
Editor: Dani Hernandez
Graphic Designer: Ryan Hanak
Tallahassee