Not On Par, But On My Own Pace | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Education

Not On Par, On Pace

Keep doing you

Aisling O'Donnell
Jun 18, 2019
University of Michigan
142
Not On Par, On Pace
Flickr

You look around you. You look on Facebook. You look on LinkedIn. You look on Instagram. People in your life are getting married, having kids, getting their dream job, going to college, moving to a new state, taking a year off, debating on taking a risk. We are all at different points within our own individual lives. Crossing different lines individually and at our own paces. Yet we feel overwhelmed to stay up and maintain the same pace as our peers around us and this may not be the best or most viable option for each of us. But we feel that pressure to be on par, better, or moving at a faster pace than everyone around us.

Being surrounded by fellow students and friends getting exclusive internships in amazing cities like New York and Los Angeles, I felt defeated this year not obtaining an internship. Because I felt getting an internship was a stepping stone to success. For some it is, making connections in your dream company, making internship friends in a new city or just feeling on par with peers who will one day be your competition.

But I realized that the only reason I was trying to get an internship was just to feel at the same level as my peers and friends in internships. I also wanted to get an internship for the connections and experiences, but my heart was not set completely on working a 9-5 my last summer before I really need an internship after junior year. I wanted to enjoy my last summer of freedom working my odd jobs which I feel I gain and learn new skills from and can apply them to the real world because I am working in the real world. An internship is not necessary for me to acquire skills that make me a better candidate for a job, because I have my own jobs that I enjoy and work at that give me the same soft skills as an internship, if not more. In my mind, I felt not on par, but I am doing my best and I am on par with my own goals.

Look around you again. Wherever you want to look. Your life, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, wherever you feel that you are not up to par with your fellow peers and friends. Take a moment to realize that everyone is on their own path and everyone's path looks different. You are on par and on your way to achieving your goals at your own pace and someone's idea of "on par" may be different to your own predicaments and how you get to the same place. And that is okay.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is What I Hope Heaven Feels Like

By: James McDonald

26841
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

Miami University
85328
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
music
Entertainment

Why Your Astrological Sign May Not Match Your Personality

We are all more than just one sign.

SUNY Plattsburgh
26239
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
astrology
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

UNC Greensboro
11119
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
spring
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

Sacred Heart University
76350
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
good person

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments