Here we are again, at the beginning of a new semester here at Loyola. As we dread the return of all-night papers and online quizzes, it feels as though something is different. Maybe the long-winded lectures from our parents have finally gotten through to us. Could it have been the shock of that last report card that spurred this motivation to change?
Perhaps it is the lemony-fresh scent of hallway tile cleaner that has moved us so deeply. At any rate, in this particular semester, we are determined to work and study harder, study longer, to boost that GPA, to get that perfect grade.
A new semester has arrived and with it comes new hopes, new expectations, and maybe even new outlooks about ourselves. Yet in the midst of our struggles, we sometimes forget why we’re here in the first place. Sure, there is the typical mindset of: “I’m here to get a degree,” or “I’m here to get a good college education.” While these set goals are important, some of us become so focused on our objectives that we forget the essential “here and now.”
We sometimes overlook our day-to-day lives and instead, place all of our attention on the reward that comes at the end of our seemingly eternal labor. Though the idea of keeping one’s eyes on the prize can be a decent motivational tool, why not take the time to enjoy the journey toward that prize, as well? Instead of viewing each day as a constant battle to manage your time for studying, class, and friends (in other words, being the clone of any other college student), just keep in mind that this is your life and that you are living it.
Try not to look at yourself as simply surviving each day with a specific degree in mind. The next time you find yourself in the middle of class, your forehead leaning heavily against your upright palm, try to reflect a little on your life: You are a student sitting in a classroom, interacting with other individuals, listening to an intelligent teacher, learning important information to use in the future, heading toward a successful career, and living your life.
There may be various stopping points in the long road ahead of you like earning that diploma, finding that perfect career, and finally concluding your school years.
However, college does not have to be a mere segment of your life that you hope to eventually leave behind. Your life certainly doesn’t begin, – nor does it end – the day you graduate and receive that diploma; it begins every morning you get out of bed. The entire experience that leads up to the final end can be seen as an even greater fulfillment.
If anything, keep this in mind: Take pleasure in not only the achieved goal but the journey toward it, for the path to greatness holds just as many delights and rewards as the end result.
Maria E. Rossi is an english writing freshman from Niceville, FL.
