Before I proceed to my realizations, it’s storytime!
I used to think I didn’t have time to play with my neighborhood friends during my first year in high school. I told myself that now that I am an “adult,” I should act like one and focus on my academics.
All of these are due to believing that, “maybe I’m under pressure because I’m not particularly bright; I’m just a student who works hard.” Because I wasn’t the best type of student I’d ever been since elementary. I simply enjoy playing and studying with my classmates, but not at my best. When exams are coming, I don’t open a book or reviewer in our house. The only time I read my notes is when one of my friends is doing a review. My parents and friends do not put any pressure on me; I am simply a student who enjoys coming to school.
That’s how I used to live when I was in elementary school.
When I started high school, my behaviors and perspective shifted in favor of a more positive version of myself. I made a greater effort to study, study, and study even more. Because of school activities on weekends, there are instances when I am unable to join my family gathering. So I am more involved in school, and I spend more time with my peers than with my family.
At that time, I was actually happy, and high school was the happiest time of my life. However, as I grew older and took on more responsibilities at school, I began to neglect myself more.
I was elected as a class president. I had more responsibilities in our class, such as maintaining cleanliness and peacefulness, so I always made a plan and did anything I could to implement those tasks. At that time, I seriously considered myself as a role model for my classmates, which is good for my development. I also learned that having good grades was not enough for me, and I need to develop life skills as well.
I was given the position of a student leader in our school. As a result, I received more responsibilities and expectations to fulfill. Which in turn, left me with an internal obligation that I should be my schoolmates’ role model.
But that was the biggest mistake I ever made in high school. I shouldn’t try to impress people the way I am; instead, I should be genuine to myself and not live up to others’ expectations.
I’m terrified of the consequences since I’m so vulnerable. I gave them my time, but there are instances when we can’t control things, and people’s expectations aren’t met, leaving them unsatisfied and unappreciative of what we did.
That’s how I deal with reality.
From those experiences, I learned a number of lessons in life that academics couldn’t teach us. It is okay to concentrate on studies, but the reality is that strengthening our own selves and life skills are more vital than getting good scores in academics. Both must be balanced and learned.
So I decided to be a happy-go-lucky student in college (with more effort than when I was in elementary).
I want to study for myself, and for my education; not to satisfy the expectations of my family and friends. So, whether I get a passing or failing mark, I won’t feel sorry for myself or feel pressured because I know I deserved it.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to be the best in our chosen industry. Give it your all and do your best. When everything seems to be not making any sense, remember to live. Make time for yourself, your family, your friends, have fun and do a workout routine. These will keep you in a better state of mind. It’s a matter of striking a balance between the two.
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The goal of studying is to gain a better understanding of your chosen career path or profession. If we overlook other aspects of our lives, such as spending time with our loved ones, we may come to regret the time we spent at school and recognize it was not worth it. Let’s try to understand time management and make the most of our youth by spending it with our loved ones while pursuing our chosen careers.
Our youth is the best time to pursue our passions without fear of being judged by others. It’s simply a matter of learning to be true to yourself rather than what society expects of you. Let’s spend our time in ways that will make us thankful to our future selves.
I just wanted to tell you that you are enough. Simply be yourself, and your happiness will lead to success.
