“I HATEEE MYYY LIFEEE”
That’s the motto of my apartment these days. In some ways, it couldn’t be farther from the truth– my roommate and I were just discussing how much we hate to see this semester end because we liked our classes so much. We’re getting ready to “pursue our dreams” of studying English (my roommate) and neuroscience (me) at the graduate level to earn our doctorate degrees. We eat home-cooked dinners together almost every night. We even have a full sized, live Christmas tree.
But it’s finals week. Papers, exams, GRAD SCHOOL APPs… those, we hate. Who doesn’t? Earlier this week, I felt more overwhelmed than I ever have during an exam period. Just thinking of the volume of exams and papers I needed to accomplish for classes, and perfecting my personal statements, and what if I don’t get into grad school, what if I’m not good enough, what will I ever do if I can’t go for my PhD? (And when am I going to go Christmas shopping?) I’ve felt just completely miserable about the immediate prospects of my life.
Then, today I picked up the paper for the first time since we returned from Christmas break. After half an hour, I felt like the most unbelieveably selfish person on the planet.
Which is worse, a country ravaged by a cholera epidemic or its own rebel war troops? Would you rather face a crisis dictated by disease or savage murder by your countrymen? Or what about riots in your country’s capital and major cities? And that was just the front page.
It’s amazing to think we can get caught up in the minutiae of our own small lives to the point where we forget all of the incredible things that surround us. Millions of people would die for the opportunity to live somewhere where you can sleep soundly at night, assured you have food to eat and clean running water.
Finals week or no finals week– remember how fortunate you are.
Hi Meg,
I love the way you set things into perspective here! Really, I couldn’t agree more heartedly. One thing I try to keep in mind as I deal with these same issues, is that it’s somewhat unavailing to trouble yourself over things that are out of your control. Right? While we do the best that we can to prep ourselves for finals, personal statements, etc, it is important (I think) not to torment oneself with such questions as: is my best good enough? These are things we just don’t have control over, and, furthermore, are these questions really productive? One might say perhaps, so far as they have motivational import, but I tend to think that this sort of motivation is negative, since fear of failure is what is ultimately in the drivers seat. Instead, focusing your efforts on what you do have control over – namely, doing the best you can – is not only more practical, but liberating, since it is not a negative reaction to fear of failure, but a positive motion towards success. Great post.
Best wishes,
Alex (SHC 09)
Hi Meg,
I love the way you set things into perspective here! Really, I couldn’t agree more heartedly. One thing I try to keep in mind as I deal with these same issues, is that it’s somewhat unavailing to trouble yourself over things that are out of your control. Right? While we do the best that we can to prep ourselves for finals, personal statements, etc, it is important (I think) not to torment oneself with such questions as: is my best good enough? These are things we just don’t have control over, and, furthermore, are these questions really productive? One might say perhaps, so far as they have motivational import, but I tend to think that this sort of motivation is negative, since fear of failure is what is ultimately in the drivers seat. Instead, focusing your efforts on what you do have control over – namely, doing the best you can – is not only more practical, but liberating, since it is not a negative reaction to fear of failure, but a positive motion towards success. Great post.
Best wishes,
Alex (SHC 09
Hi Dear-
How fitting a post for me to read at this very moment. I was just taking a break from my third (and final) final paper of the semester and feeling quite miserable about myself when your comments reminded me why I am so blessed. Thank you for your continued postings and perspectives.
wynnewood <3
-Celia
Thank you so much for your comments!!!
-Meg