The Observer, January 25, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 14
A Fresh Perspective: College is time for unique experiences
Before beginning my first semester at Case, I promised myself that I would be goal-driven. I would be a completely different person – a successful person. I would buy a calendar, several calendars, and I would plan my life out. I would be casually interested in people, but entirely invested in my work. I would come out of college with my life, my sanity, and my education.
I remain convinced that the smoky soot and exhaust fumes of Cleveland effectively curdled my brain.
Somehow, within the space of several minutes, I surrendered my goal and gave into the true idea of university life. College has that influence on you. An idea can present itself at any time. "Here I am," it will say seductively. "You certainly have better things to do. I'm distracting you from your work. I'm stupid and a waste of time. Pursue me." And you will. After all, it is college, and you are young, and you only live once.
Whether it is a fleeting desire to watch every single episode of The Office, a sudden urge to ride your bike around every floor of your building as fast and as dangerously as possible, or an impromptu 3 a.m. cross-campus run, it is these things with these people that supplement your life, your sanity, and your education.
Needless to say, my new and exciting college life and my sick, calendar-filled daydream were not in agreement.
I've picked up many things besides the basics of cognitive science, linguistics, and the nuances of a novel this first semester. I'll gladly share them with you now.
Live for the chase. Chase your dreams, your passions, and your whims. Chasing what you love can only lead to fulfillment. The perusal of the unexpected can only enrich your life and broaden your horizons. The stupidity can make for good fun, good laughter, and good stories. Missed chances have a habit of hovering over you as a rain cloud of regret.
Appreciate every moment for what it is. Every second is another opportunity to live. Do so.
Keep everything separate. Don't let your friends interfere with school. Don't let school interfere with your friends.
Allow yourself to be proven wrong. Yes, it is in these instances that we learn far more about the subject, but we also grow in our maturity. We accept that neither we nor our ideas are the center of the universe. We can be wrong and can still be smart. Heck, we can still be brilliant.
Do something you wouldn't expect yourself to do. I took a fencing SatCo and discovered that I hated the sport with a passion. However, I got the chance to play with a foil, fall on my butt, and meet plenty of amazing people. Every opportunity gives you a chance to discover another facet of yourself that you didn't know existed.
Study. Be successful. Come out with your life, your sanity, and your education.
In case you haven't already figured it out, I've thrown away every calendar but my own.
