Dear "Overachiever,"
I don't know about you, but every time I hear that word I sink a little inside. It makes me feel like maybe I'm trying to hard. But, then I realize I have another project to work on, so I don't really have time to think about it. Anyway, let me tell you what you really are.
You are determined. You are aspiring. You are amazing.
It takes a lot to do what you're doing. If you're anything like me, you no longer understand the concepts of sleep or free time. And that's OK. You've been setting goals since you first learned the word. At the same time, you've been going above and beyond. That's what people admire about you the most.
I know sometimes it's hard to be the person who always has goals, and has their life planned out. After all, it meant taking on so many extracurricular activities. Balancing those activities with the hardest classes your school had to offer and work. While still looking for more things to get your hands into.
Everything you start, you intend to finish. You begin every task with such zeal and drive. You also know not to bother with things you don't find interesting or can't make yourself feel passionate about. At times this annoys others, but to hell with what they think. You've got 99 activities, and they don't even have one.
I know that sometimes it feels like you're alone. I for one had a hard time understanding that some people just aren't driven, as sad as that is. But, I'm here to let you know you are not alone. I started my fall semester thinking that I wouldn't get that involved at my school so early. However, I write this letter while taking on two leadership positions in very important clubs, working and looking for another job, overloading credits, going through sorority recruitment, and playing a sport. And you know what? I wouldn't have life any other way.
People always tell me to take time to breathe or I'm setting myself up to be stressed out. Obviously, I do not like stress, but for me it's almost a way of life. I don't know how I would feel if someone told me I couldn't participate.
I know that sometimes it feels like your friends don't understand where you're coming from with your countless goals. My guess is they usually don't, and that's OK too. Along the road, you're going to lose friends because they feel you don't invest enough time in them. The ones that truly matter will always stick around even if they don't understand.
I am also well aware of the fact that sometimes it gets hard. You stretch yourself thin sometimes, but you're metaphorically elastic, and you'll get right back in the swing of things. What I most want to tell you is: Keep on doing what you're doing. I've learned it takes a special someone to have goals so early in life, exceed those goals, and still keep going above and beyond. There will be naysayers in life, and they are always wrong. Even more importantly, you will always have your core support group.
Never stop setting goals. You are setting yourself up for a great future.
Just remember to have fun sometimes and never be discouraged.
Sincerely,
The College Overachiever
