This week, I’ve been feeling pretty overwhelmed. I don’t really have too much going on, but for some reason, everything that needs to get done feels like it’s multiplied by four, and I feel completely swamped. Over the next five days, I have a blog post, Math homework, a Physics quiz, homework from the SSO, some reading, and a History test to do and study for, and a dance class and soccer open gym to go to. I know that some people who are taking more classes or more difficult classes would argue that this isn’t a lot, but for me, this is too much. I get home from school, and I feel like I’ll be up all night, even though I never actually am.
I don’t really know what I intend to do through this post. Do I maybe want to tell people that they aren’t the only ones who are stressed? To let them know that everyone wants to throw their backpack out of the window every time they look at it? Or is it to let people know that, once you sit down and get started, all of that work doesn’t seem so daunting. It’ll take a few hours, sure, but it won’t kill you. In a few weeks, you’ll look back and think, “that wasn’t really so bad.” In a few years you’ll look back and think, “that assignment has no bearing in my life whatsoever, why was I stressing about that?”
Maybe the purpose of this post is to talk about the delicate balance which comes with being invested and motivated to do well in school. You do have to take these things seriously. Homework is a part of your grade, along with tests and other things. Your grades go on your transcript and determine your GPA. Colleges look at your transcript and GPA (among other things) and decide whether or not they want you. When you think about it this way, this assignment seems like a huge deal! But really, when you’re 45 and settled with your family, your junior year Math class will be the least of your concerns. These things, in the long run, are silly and small, so why should we even care about them? This is where the balance is necessary, because if you start to tip too far in the ambivalent direction of the scale, bad things happen. You might stop doing your homework and studying for tests. Your grades might drop and you might get a 2.0 instead of a 4.0 for your GPA. Colleges might look at this and say, “Woah, what happened to this chick? It’s like she stopped caring.” And your life might not turn out the way you wanted it to.
I used to become frustrated with people who told me that my best was good enough, and not to stress, but that I still needed to do well on this homework, or this test, or what have you. I would think, “So, you want me to care, but also not care. To try, but not kill myself trying. To worry, but not stress. How am I supposed to do that?” Balance. That’s the only way.
So, now that I’ve written this post, I can finally tell you what its message is; balance, guys. Try hard in school and do your best, but don’t let it kill you, because when you’re vacationing in Disneyland with your kids, you will definitely be thinking about other things.
I think I can get on board with what you are saying here. Everyone knows that is important to maintain a balanced life, but of course that's easier said than done. Whenever I get stressed out about academics I simply remind myself that I don't actually care very much, which is not even entirely true. It calms me down, but I always have to ask myself if I'm replacing school related anxieties with apathy. Either way it is unhealthy. And the whole "in a billion years I won't even care about this exam because I'll be dead and my ashes will be buried in a pile of forgotten rubble" is sort of slippery slope of absolving yourself from caring about things that may actually be of consequence. Living in the here and now is better, I tend to think, even if it deprives of us of what we like to think of as perspective in our lives. Deciding if a test score will/won't matter in the future seen like a weird exercise. A better question is does it matter right now at this moment?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think I've said enough words now. Interesting and though provoking post! I'm sure lots of people can relate to this struggle.
I definitely feel you. I've had a couple of those days where I just had so much to do I didn't do anything. Terrible idea, but in the long term it didn't really matter. nice post though its good to see theres people at uni that understand the concept of balance
ReplyDeleteI can relate, too. This is a kind of stress adults feel, as well. When I have a lot of grading to do and a lot going on at home, I sometimes feel very overwhelmed. And though no one is grading me, per se, I want to be a good teacher, fulfill my responsibilities to my friends and family, and still get some sleep.
ReplyDeleteBut the difference is that because no one is grading me, if I have an off week, it won't necessarily affect my future adversely. Still, I want to remind you that getting into "the college of your choice," while it's a great thing to have happen, will not make or break your future happiness and success. There are many excellent colleges and universities out there. If you don't get into your first choice, you may end up being wildly happy and successful at your second or third choice.
So keep trying hard and doing your best. But don't let the stress kill you. Find that balance, and it will all work out.
I know exactly what you mean. Even this week and next week are turning out to be killers. It's difficult to take a deep breath and realize that in a few days, it will all be okay and things will return to normal (or as normal as Uni can get). Balance really is key to just everything at Uni and I'm so glad you were able to articulate that so nicely :)
ReplyDeleteI wish someone told me this before I started coming to Uni. My parents always nag me about doing well in school and how much grades will determine where I go to college and my future in general. Even when I have my doubts about working so hard in school, my parents try to take out everything I love so that I have more time to focus on my schoolwork.
ReplyDeleteI remember back in freshman year when I had this sort of mentality and even now, I totally regret it because I did nothing but study for school, not hanging out with my friends or doing any other club activities. It wasn't until the middle of my sophomore year when I actually decided to stop worrying about school so much.
I apologize for the long comment, but its a great article. Finding that balance between what you want to do and school is important and is something that should be told to all students, especially those in high school and college.