This week is an important one, whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in college at Saint Joseph’s University; because we are one step closer to achieving our degrees as everyone’s final grades were posted. However, substituting sleep for caffeine and granola bars for an actual nutritious meal, has recently made me think about whether if sacrificing going out to study for hours on end while working long hours during the week on top of my course load, puts into perspective on what it’s all worth. Is the pain of not sleeping or eating proper food worth it all? The answer is yes.
Throughout this semester and life in general, we are pushed by our family and teachers to achieve everything that we can dream of. Specifically, regarding a vocation.
The term “vocation” when I think about it means the ideal job that one seeks to pursue. No one in their right mind views a specific vocation as a job they strongly dislike. Instead, they view it as something they live and breath for.
Recently, before the semester concluded, professors in my classes asked all of the students what jobs they want to pursue after college. That’s the most terrifying question anyone can ask because there really isn’t a correct answer. In today’s standards, obtaining a job isn’t about what you actually enjoy doing. Instead, it’s about getting a nine to five job that will financially support you. This question made me think. We as college students define these vocations based on finding something that will allow us to be financially independent from our parents. However, we have to sacrifice what we’re passionate about to get where we need to be. To me, that's ridiculous. Answering the previously raised question by my professors in my view is this. It’s okay that everyone takes their time to figure out their professional futures even though we work hard every day. There is neither a formula nor definite plan for everyone. You can create a future that you want as long as you work hard to achieve it. Success doesn’t happen overnight it takes time. Bottom line.
To get where we need or aspire to be, it takes every ounce of courage, determination, and sacrifice to achieve our ultimate goals. Looking back on the days and nights I spent studying, getting ahead of my work, working, and not going out, I realized what both a vocation is and what all of the hard work that myself and others put themselves through is worth.
Everyday, I work diligently in school in my areas of study (Political Science and Business Administration) to ideally pursue law school, make an impact in various countries, all while blogging. Not going to lie, blogging could very well be a temporary thing. However, it’s something I’m passionate about and that wouldn’t seem right to eliminate something that brings purpose and joy to my life. The same goes for everyone one of you. Don’t eliminate something such as playing a sport, writing, or even simple things such as reading because, they all shape you into the person you’re today. Most importantly, each experience and or interest you’ve endured has helped prepare you in some way for different areas in life that other people may not have experienced yet. Keep that in mind.
Our current experiences as “students” is methodically allowing us to grow further with the work we are currently enduring or working towards. We are carving out the stepping-stones everyday towards our eventual goals that can ultimately become a reality. However, everyone needs to understand that it’s not going to be smooth sailing. You will ride the roller coaster of life that will ultimately end at the place where you need to be.
When everyone looks back on his or her college experience everyone says a different thing. That’s because we each have different goals we seek to achieve. I’m aware when I’m older that my college experience has been completely different compared to my peers. I chose a larger university in a major city because every academic and professional opportunity I’ve been afforded has pushed me to be the best version of myself every day. To me, going out doesn’t mean the typical college party scene every Thursday through Saturday. No. To me, this implies late night studying in the library. My point here is that I prioritize my studies often way too much, and take on responsibilities that other people steer away from because; I know I’m methodically carving out the stepping-stones of my future vocation. I aim to create opportunities and so should you because; each and every one of us has some type of work experience and strong work ethic to achieve our goals.
Everything especially during our college years is all about finding a balance. For me doing a million different things when the opportunity presents itself is something that’s important to me. Being able to juggle different things while balancing a traditional college curriculum can be tricky, but not impossible to do. Having this type of resilient attitude of being able to manage everything is different from someone else’s perspective of college. Keep in mind, it’s okay to have this attitude because it will teach you life skills; and that’s something you can’t find anywhere. Only you can find it.
We work hard every single day towards our goal of being able to provide for ourselves. I believe it’s critical to take as many opportunities that is handed to you because it will help you with your future endeavors. Most importantly, every experience whether it be volunteering, interning, taking the MCATS or LSATS (not looking forward to taking this exam in June), or studying, each experience and opportunity, grants you the experience and drive to balance more in order to pursue what you’re passionate about in life.
Everyone has a different college experience. It’s OKAY to not go out. It’s okay to be dedicated to work. Mostly, It’s okay to be selfish and dedicate you’re time to work because this is the time in your life where you can give everything from school work to your side passions one thousand percent of your time. Use it wisely. Just remember, you’re working towards your end goal; your future and that’s something no one can take from you. Overall, don’t listen to what people say that, “you’re too dedicated to school.” Ignore it. You’re working towards bringing your passions to life. No one can take that away from you. Be you, Be proud, and most of all continue to work as hard as you are because great things will happen.
