The entirety of our life has revolved around school up until this point. For some, school is simply a necessary means to a diploma and career opportunities. However, others actually consider school itself to be an enjoyable experience. Whichever category you fall under, getting that diploma requires both dedication and persistence. As I am sure many can relate, I have been told before that “I study too much and forget to have fun”. When faced with this accusation, I have questioned the possibility of it being true. Recently, however, I am realizing that I cannot allow others to decide how I divvy up my “work” and “play” time. Ultimately, the way we decide to spend our time has future consequences which are the direct result of the decisions we make today.
This past summer I read a well-known book by Randy Pausch called The Last Lecture. Before passing away from cancer, this piece was his way of leaving his legacy behind. At one point he hints at the key to achieving many of his dreams at a young age. Pausch states, “Junior faculty members used to say to me: ‘Wow, what’s your secret?’ I said: ‘It’s pretty simple. Call me any Friday night in my office at 10 o’clock, and I’ll tell you.’” He implies that most dreams are realized through delayed gratification. On Friday nights, Pausch could be found in his office, working diligently toward his dreams. He claims that it is simple, but we all know simple is not synonymous for easy.
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When your dreams are clear and drive your every decision, sacrifices almost become second nature. Perhaps you don’t have a dream that motivates your every move yet. Nevertheless, if you can find the motivation to work hard regardless, you will form habits that make chasing your dream almost trivial once discovered. We all have a right to live out these four years however we see best fit. However, we will inevitably endure the consequences of the way our time is spent. And although it is important to take breaks from school, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the process of learning.
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