Working Hard or Hardly Working?

Often, when we think about the concept of college, class isn't the first thing on our minds. Example 1: This being my fourth post on this blog. It is sometimes really easy for us to put school last, but there are often two extremes to this spectrum. First is the aforementioned back burner mindset in which we disregard classes and place social and personal obligations (aka sleep) above our education. The opposite extreme is increased importance and value placed on academic achievements, so much so that you eradicate your social and personal well being.

What you'll find is that a lot of college is about balance. Academics are no different. The first mindset I mentioned is a problem because it is passive and probably harmful to your future. This mindset teaches you to be lazy and unmotivated. This can carry over to how you handle relationships and any other part of your life. The second mindset might seem better, but they can be equally as deadly.

Failing a test for the first time in college is a very dramatic experience, trust me, I've been there. Once you get over the initial shock, you realize that all you can do is keep going and try harder next time. When you place academic achievement and validation above anything else in your life, it becomes your identity. There are many reasons someone might crave academic validation, whether it's to get a certain job, to be accepted by family or friends, or just for an increased sense of pride. You no longer care about anything or anyone else because the grades you earn are indicative of who you are. Like I've said in previous posts, there are a lot of things in college that are fighting for your identity, and this is one of them. 

So if neither of these extremes are good, we need to look for a healthy middle ground in this area. This should be different for everyone because everyone is different. If there is a huge test in your biology class tomorrow, maybe you should spend a few hours at the library instead of going out with friends. If you have a free night and have your assignments turned in, go have fun with the people you love! its all about balance and creating the right lifestyle for you. 

You were not created to sit back and do nothing with an apathetic attitude, but you also were not created to put your self worth and value into school and grades. Your worth depends on your God who loves you. You are loved before you fail a test and you are equally as loved after.