As Ball State University students, we are bombarded with projects, papers and tedious homework assignments each and every day. Because of the demand our professors put on us, we often lose touch with reality. In essence, it's hard to put life into perspective when attending college.
I try to take each day for what it is, but the majority of the time I find myself worrying about a future test or deadline. I have to remind myself, however, that there is so much more to life than an examination that may or may not assess my actual knowledge on a given subject.
College is normally just four to five years of our life. So, why make it more than what it is?
I acknowledge that earning a degree is an important and meaningful accomplishment, but don't ruin that experience with anxiety. Instead of stressing over an assignment, give yourself credit for what you have already done. Ultimately, just be thankful for what you have.
It is without a doubt that humans always want more than what they have. In fact, we have unlimited wants. The problem, however, is that there are limited resources. As a result, there is scarcity.
During my time spent in college thus far, I have experienced moments that remind me of the bigger picture. Here we are worried about a lousy test, and yet there are families across the world struggling to put food on the table. Granted, education is important, but don't take it out of context. If we get too greedy, such as throwing a fit about a C instead of an A, it's hard to value what we do have.
We often take it for granted that we may be able to talk, walk, think or listen, but we really shouldn't. There is always someone out there who is worse off. I understand if you studied four hours for an exam but didn't get the results you were expecting. It sucks, I know. But just be happy the test is over with, and you can move on to something new.
Personally, I have encountered several nights where I spend many hours studying and panicking about a test. Then I get a call from a friend who is dealing with something far greater than a college exam. It always makes me realize that life is so much more than the BS we experience every day in college.
In addition, part of life is being able to move on and accept what occurred. If you have a bad day, try and minimize the negativity and start the next day with a clean slate. Mad about a poor test score? Here is my solution: You are in college for four years, which is equivalent to eight semesters. You take five or six classes each semester and have about four tests in each class.
So, if you perform badly on a test or two, will it really affect you in the whole scheme of things? This is one semester, one class and one test. By the time you graduate, it shouldn't make that much of a difference. The only way the test will matter is if you think it will.
It's hard to pull ourselves away from the hectic schedules our professors and we compile. But, please make an effort to see life outside of Ball State. I sometimes lose what's truly important during the week because I am so concerned about a project or test.
I'm just thankful I have an apartment to live in, I can afford groceries and I have a car to drive.
In the end, I'm glad I have the opportunity to attend a university and earn a degree. I just remind myself that I am who I am. And that ought to be good enough.
Jason Marer is a junior social studies education major and writes 'Think To Exist' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu
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