Last week I discussed the idea of preserving one’s individuality in a world where conformity rules. This week, a related topic finds its way into my head: Influences.

As much as many of us want to be our own people and follow an unbeaten path, we can’t deny that the people around us influence our behavior. Sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly, our actions, thoughts, feelings and convictions can never entirely be our own. Let’s face it & we don’t exist in a vacuum. Organizations of various types provide observable sociological templates for natural conformity. I know I’ll get a truckload of flack for this one, but Greek organizations are a simple example. When a group of people spend an extended period of time together, living together and sharing activities and experiences, it’s only natural for them to behave similarly. Which is not to say that all Greek members are the same, but it’s undeniable that they often can be identified even without Greek letters.

But this column isn’t about the Greek system. Really, everyone can relate to members of the Greek community on a smaller scale. We all have our groups of friends & maybe a group of two or three people, or maybe a giant clique. Part of what makes these people our friends are their abilities to relate to our language, style, humor, knowledge, taste in music and countless other characteristics. Through this identification we find support and encouragement … but not always. Sometimes we languish in our shared procrastination, or worse, addictions to distractions ranging from Playstation and AOL Instant Messenger to drugs and alcohol.

I’ve noticed throughout my life, and through observation of others’ behavior, that some of us easily allow priorities to fly out the window when we are given even the slightest nudge in the wrong direction. Others remain stone-faced and determined when tempted to stray from responsibility. But those cool cats are few and far between in the other-worldly college environment.

So what’s the key to staying motivated and energetic when surrounded by fun-loving beer swillers? You probably see their smiling faces every day … maybe even the one in the mirror. They laugh, they joke and they seek continuous, momentary distractions. Their jokes often downplay the little lines of tension in their faces, lines that reveal the underlying stress over grades, work and other responsibilities.

In a word, prioritize. But that’s so much easier to say than to do. Working in an environment with daily deadlines has taught me how to plan and manage my time, but just because I know how to do that doesn’t mean that I always do.

The funny thing is, I was inclined to write that it’s even harder when you’re a senior like myself, becoming really burned out on the schooling that has been my life since the age of five. But it occurred to me that it’s equally difficult as a freshman, when it seems like you have all the time in the world and all of your floormates have the “f—— it” attitude, choosing to absorb “South Park” and Bud Light instead of Biology 103 and the godawful hell that is Math 210.

For some, hitting that 21 mark is an instant downward spiral, in which the scrawled profanities in slimy bar bathroom stalls are more memorable than a philosophy lecture. But bad habits often start a lot sooner, going back as far as junior high for some people.

Fact is, there’s always some excuse, regardless of your age, year, major, job, hobbies or goals. I wish I had the miracle suggestion for everyone out there who wants to get through school successfully, but just can’t seem to get away from all those distractions. Unfortunately, there isn’t one & but there are some things to keep in mind.

Most importantly, and going back to my earlier point, the people you surround yourself with are going to influence you whether you like it or not. There is a massive difference between a friend and an acquaintance. Acquaintances care a lot & about having a good time. Share their company and have fun, but don’t lie to yourself about who they really are.

Friends, by their very definition, genuinely care about your well-being. They are the ones who will set aside their own desire to have fun when they know you need to study. True friends will look you in the eye and tell you when you need to get your life together, even if it means they’ll miss out on some fun times in the immediate future.

Also, be honest with yourself about your priorities. I’ve come to the realization after several years of college that my professors and others may try to instill priorities, but it’s up to me to weigh my options. Life is short, it’s my money and time going into school, and sometimes it’s more worthwhile to me to do something other than classwork. Other times, I know duty calls and I must devote my energy exclusively to school or work for a while. It’s just a matter of accepting trade-offs, and knowing where to draw the line.

In college we find this, the greatest blessing and curse: It’s all up to us as individuals. Make your choices, right or wrong, level-headed or off your rocker … but be able to look yourself in the eye and acknowledge your reasons. It’s all on you.