Thoughts on Uni
I don't like to talk about my academic achievements, or talk about how stressful studying is, or post statuses about how little sleep I got trying to finish an assignment, or about how I want to continue my Masters because I just love studying so much (not).
Perhaps it's because I don't lose sleep over assignments, nor do I want to continue my Masters. Whether I eventually will or not is of no relevance - circumstances may dictate that I have to, but if I do, you can be sure it wasn't due to pure intrinsic motivation. Don't get me wrong - I love learning; I just don't love studying for the sake of an exam. I want to be able to pick and choose the kind of stuff I want to learn, and learn stuff that I can't get a grade for, but are essential life skills. Like cooking. Or being resilient. Or being courageous enough to drive around in unfamiliar territory (and not get into any accidents, hopefully).
If there's one thing Uni has taught me, it's that academic achievements are nothing. And it saddens me that some people don't get that until it's too late and the uni years are over. If ever you find yourself compromising on relationships and integrity for the sake of academic achievements, know that it isn't worth it. It's not like you can flaunt your academic prowess in front of people anyway - you'll just seem stuck up and weird. What lasts is the legacy you leave, and the relationships forged during these years.
I think Uni is a time that you discover and develop yourself. As for myself, I learnt that the people I admire most are those who live life to the fullest, and do not sweat the small stuff. I have a suspicion these people are the ones who will live the longest as well. =P They seem to have an odd wisdom about what matters and what doesn't, and they're often right. By "small stuff", I mean attendance and handing in assignments on time, of course. ;) I used to be so highly strung about those things, but the years and experiences have worn those strings loose. Doubtless, I still try my best to hand in my assignments on time, but I won't sacrifice my sleep for it. And I will only do my level best within the time limit - no staying up or burning the midnight oil for anything. And I'm ashamed to say that it took me this long to figure out what really matters - the fun outings with friends, the generosity and love, the comradeship. Because in the years to come, the memories will be priceless, not so your pointer.
Uni is a time to challenge your assumptions, to break out of the mold. It's a time to realize that the world is so diverse. It's a time to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a person. Uni prepares you for the real world, where the rules aren't set, and life isn't fair. And in the midst of it all, I think character is of paramount importance. On your way up, help others as well. Don't push them down because you want to be the sole winner. Help others to succeed, help them to learn, and learn from them - because the end product is a generation of human capital who will serve their clients, and hopefully, with your contribution, be able to serve them well. In a sense, it's a joint effort for a better society.
The last thing it is, though, is a competition.
Perhaps it's because I don't lose sleep over assignments, nor do I want to continue my Masters. Whether I eventually will or not is of no relevance - circumstances may dictate that I have to, but if I do, you can be sure it wasn't due to pure intrinsic motivation. Don't get me wrong - I love learning; I just don't love studying for the sake of an exam. I want to be able to pick and choose the kind of stuff I want to learn, and learn stuff that I can't get a grade for, but are essential life skills. Like cooking. Or being resilient. Or being courageous enough to drive around in unfamiliar territory (and not get into any accidents, hopefully).
If there's one thing Uni has taught me, it's that academic achievements are nothing. And it saddens me that some people don't get that until it's too late and the uni years are over. If ever you find yourself compromising on relationships and integrity for the sake of academic achievements, know that it isn't worth it. It's not like you can flaunt your academic prowess in front of people anyway - you'll just seem stuck up and weird. What lasts is the legacy you leave, and the relationships forged during these years.
I think Uni is a time that you discover and develop yourself. As for myself, I learnt that the people I admire most are those who live life to the fullest, and do not sweat the small stuff. I have a suspicion these people are the ones who will live the longest as well. =P They seem to have an odd wisdom about what matters and what doesn't, and they're often right. By "small stuff", I mean attendance and handing in assignments on time, of course. ;) I used to be so highly strung about those things, but the years and experiences have worn those strings loose. Doubtless, I still try my best to hand in my assignments on time, but I won't sacrifice my sleep for it. And I will only do my level best within the time limit - no staying up or burning the midnight oil for anything. And I'm ashamed to say that it took me this long to figure out what really matters - the fun outings with friends, the generosity and love, the comradeship. Because in the years to come, the memories will be priceless, not so your pointer.
Uni is a time to challenge your assumptions, to break out of the mold. It's a time to realize that the world is so diverse. It's a time to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a person. Uni prepares you for the real world, where the rules aren't set, and life isn't fair. And in the midst of it all, I think character is of paramount importance. On your way up, help others as well. Don't push them down because you want to be the sole winner. Help others to succeed, help them to learn, and learn from them - because the end product is a generation of human capital who will serve their clients, and hopefully, with your contribution, be able to serve them well. In a sense, it's a joint effort for a better society.
The last thing it is, though, is a competition.
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