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Is it just me, or has the end of the year come a little too quickly this year? Today’s column is dedicated to some general advice and lessons I’d like to share about school, finals and — of course — summer.
It boggles my mind when I think about how much the passed year has changed me. On an over all level, I like to think I’m still the same person as far as my opinions and mentality go. However, I’ve learned a lot this year. Very cliché, I know, but also very true. This year, I learned that doing what you are good at and doing what you enjoy are two very different concepts. While doing what you are good at may be easy, doing what you enjoy is far more fulfilling, and frankly, has a higher motivation rate. My message: choose to do what you enjoy over what you are good at, career and otherwise.
Another valuable lesson learned is forgiveness. I’ve learned that not only is forgiving someone and moving on with your life surprisingly uplifting, it also puts the situation in a perspective that allows you to take from it the lesson it carries and throw away the rest. Saying “I forgive you” doesn’t mean you’re okay with what has happened, but rather shows you are ready to move on from it. I’ve seen far too many people who want to “fight the problem” and “make a point;” in all reality, it’s a waste of time and makes no difference whatsoever in the long run.
As cheesy as it seems, I owe the fact that I learn the things I learn, and make it through each day because of a group of very important people I like to call my friends. They have been caring, understanding, forgiving, tolerant, patient and most importantly, supportive of me — and that means a lot more than I make apparent to them. It’s so incredibly important to have a very strong support group in today’s world, because, let’s face it, reality is nobody’s best friend; it helps to have friends that make reality just a little bit more tolerable.
Let’s not forget that the reason we’re in college is not just a social life. Yes, the time for exams has arrived, and it brings with it stress, fatigue and a lack of time in the day. As harsh as your schedule may be this exam season, make it a point to get in three meals a day, and at least one hour of complete relaxation. Find a good book to read, or watch an episode of your favorite show. If all else fails, take a walk across campus and breathe a little. If exam fever really gets to you, just remember that exams mean only two more weeks until the summer.
I’m sure most of you are looking forward to the summer as much as I am; and as move-out gets closer, I find myself less motivated to study that I have all year. If in nothing else, find motivation in this: the reason why we enjoy summer so much is because we work so hard during the year. Why ruin that now?
