Have you checked a mirror?
Is there someone in your circle of friends, at your workplace, your church or school, who lives as though he or she is the center of the universe? No matter what happens, ultimately it is all about them. The thought of another person’s perspective, accepting personal responsibility rather than pointing fingers, going outside of yourself for another, such actions just never seem to get to his or her conscious thoughts. Any suggestion of the common good is uncommon to them despite all of their own personal efforts to portray themselves as someone all about the common good. Is it possible someone else is reading this and knows a person captured perfectly by what they have read, you?
Pass the Cheese
Challenging circumstances, that time of the semester, upheaval in the economy, tough decisions to make, will the weather ever get better, so many things weighing you down. How do you react? Constantly, letting the world know about your woes, ignoring the fact that others face greater challenges, sharing the litany of your issues with anyone who will listen, or do you possess a steely resolve and a positive outlook to face and work through the circumstances you face. Why not try a little of the latter. Adopt a positive attitude, put away your sense of entitlement, accept your share of the sacrifice knowing others are too, or instead do you plan to offer cheese with all that whine….ing.
Problem or Solution
Campus is boring, there is nothing to do, this place has no spirit, you have probably heard them all, I have. Last Friday in the varsity gym, that place had all the electricity of a sweet 16 game at the D1 level and better yet, it involved people we actually know. People everywhere, vocal, full of spirit, supportive of classmates and friends, just a great environment to see, behold and enjoy. Yes, we all wanted a different outcome. Still, everyone who was there will never forget it. It was you who did your part to create that environment. So I guess in some sense, what you are seeking is there whenever you choose to create it, something fun to do, school spirit and pride, a memorable night without the alcohol. All sporting events offer a focal point, but there are always focal points for people with diverse interests on campus, plays, comedians, whatever. All that has to happen to make them special is for you to show up and drag along a group of friends. So that brings us full circle, going forward, will you be the problem or the solution?
It’s Almost Here
Which is it, spring break, spring, Lent, or perhaps all of them? You can decide which one you await most anxiously. But there is another question lurking, what do they share? All offer the opportunity for rebirth, a chance to recreate something about ourselves or our world, academically, personally, socially, spiritually. An opportunity, after some reflection and introspection, to decide what type of student or person should burst forth to meet the world. Think about who you are, what you believe, and why you believe it. Is it time to shed some negative attitudes and viewpoints about yourself or others? Is it time to see the gifts you receive each day and to share those gifts with others, through service or just random acts of kindness, politeness, and cheerfulness? It is always easy to how and where others need to be different. Why not role model the difference you want to see? You will be surprised at how that little action on your part changes the entire environment around you.
Don’t Lose Focus
Spring break two weeks away, weather actually feeling warmer, beware these chuckholes on the road to a great semester. Now is an important time to maintain focus and not lose sight of the prize. At this time of year, the signs of those early breaks in the season of perpetual grayness cause some to let off the gas a bit and start their mental or physical escape a little early. An athlete anticipating playing his/her sport outdoors, others with beach plans, someone needing a mental health pause in the grind of the year, they are all potential prey. Exert maximum effort and discipline until that last class is over, that midterm done, or that paper written. Failure to do so will cover your break with those gray clouds and put you in a comeback mode for the last seven weeks. That’s not a spot you want to be, especially when the sun actually does stay out for more than two days in a row.
Routine Maintenance
Ever notice how failing to deal with those routine things usually means a much bigger mess to clean up later. Whether it is plumbing, automotive, a personal relationship, sooner or later there is a price (often much higher) to pay. Laziness, avoidance, procrastination, I’ll get around to it…all are reasons why we ignore the routine maintenance. When was the last time you took your academic program in for routine maintenance? Have you talked to your academic advisor about your path to graduation, satisfying all those requirements, next semester’s courses, that internship, a summer course? I didn’t think so. That’s okay, I am sure you have spent plenty of time figuring out how you will solve the mess avoiding the advisor visit will create. You might also want to give your parents a heads up as well, I suspect they are interested in how this bigger mess will go away.
Rules of Engagement
Look around, bored faces in your classroom, yours one of them, people checking messages, texts, playing games on their phones. About this time, the enthusiasm of the new semester starts to wane and the drudgery sets in. Maybe, just maybe, everyone in this class is not pulling his share of the load. Faculty member making the class boring, it is easy to blame him or her. They are only supposed to do their part. What are you contributing to this undesirable situation? You will get what you work for. Are you coming to each class, reading assignment done, ready to ask questions, observations you wish to share, all homework complete? I didn’t think so….after all the test is a few weeks away. You are breaking the rules of engagement. You maximize your learning and your positive attitude in a class if you actively contribute to its betterment. No teacher can or should be expected to do it alone. So, roll up your sleeves and get started creating exactly what you are looking for. You will be surprised how few boring classes you then find on your schedule.
It’s Yours
Well, it is officially yours. That class schedule that was written in sand has now turned to concrete. Class times that were not your first choice, faculty you tried to avoid, all that is irrelevant now. Accept your hand and now make the best of it. Excuses and rationalizations won’t be on your transcript in 13 weeks, final grades will. You need to identify how you will succeed in this now imperfect world. It will start with your attitude and behavior, two things only you control. “Change is coming” starts with those two areas of your academic life. Looking for external reasons for your school outcome gives others control over you. Take personal responsibility, it is your future and your financial investment. Assume ownership and learn to succeed in a world littered with obstacles. They are opportunities, not hurdles, for those with open eyes.
New Beginnings
New semester, time to see what lessons last semester’s performance taught you. Did you reach your goals? Had you set any? That might be a useful starting point for this semester. What do you expect to accomplish this semester? It is useful to have target performance levels in each class. Be realistic based upon your strengths and weaknesses, interests and/or lack of interest. To achieve your goals, especially if they were not met last semester, requires change and growth on your part. In addition, what support resources can you call upon to help you? Your support team should include the faculty member teaching the class, your academic advisor, subject tutors, the writing center, and other friends and peers who have been successful in the class. They can only help you if you seek their help and use them. Remember, their help is not a substitute for your initiative. Ultimately, it all goes back to you. So don’t let past performance become baggage, learn the lesson and move on.
Obstacles Encountered
JCU student Najam Hassan speaks about possible scheduling obstacles and how to aviod them.
