With the new school year upon us, students everywhere are surrounded with responsibilities and multiple sources of stress. Yes; school is hard. No one said this would be easy. However, some feel the need to wake up every morning with a strong intent to find something new to whine about. A popular subject lately would be the complaints of no parking, having to walk, campus is crowded, etc. While I understand it is difficult at times to not be consumed by annoyances, it is imperative to remember just how petty these problems really are; That is why I'm here to tell you just how lucky you are.
First of all, let's start out with this. You woke up today! Congratulations! You're lucky enough to not be apart of roughly 160,000 people who lost their life just yesterday. Not only did you wake up, but you probably did so in a comfy bed. Not everyone in this world gets to say that. Let me guess, you probably even got around to eating some food once you got hungry? That means you're also lucky enough to not be apart of the 795 million people without adequate food supply on this earth. I could go on within this realm... the air conditioner you take for granted, the tv you watched football on last week, the phone or computer you're reading this article on right now... those are all pretty nice, huh?
Don't feel humbled yet? You're among around 7 percent of the world's population who are granted the privilege of obtaining a higher education; Countless people would give anything to be in your shoes. You have been given an opportunity to expand your knowledge in order to truly live the American Dream. But here you are, absolutely livid, because you either had to use a different method of transportation or walk a little because parking isn't ideal? People walk four miles just to get water.
The purpose of this article is not to berate you. But, come on, guys. It must be exhausting to constantly search for reasons to complain about because they're a mild inconvenience to your privileged lifestyle. The purpose of this article is for you to try to gain some perspective. Like I said before, I could continue trying to put how little this problem really is in the grand scheme of things, but for the sake of time (and no one likes reading such a lengthy article) I'll let you ponder that yourself. Take a step back today to realize just how much you have to be thankful for; because trust me, there's a lot to be thankful for.
As for me, I will continue to contently walk to campus each day. I will continue to not only keep in mind how blessed I am to be here, but I will also keep in mind that it is what it is. You're aware of the realities of parking, now it's time to adjust your schedule to fit what you have to work with. Why waste the time and energy on being upset about something that is out of your control? Don't get me wrong, joking about the situation in a light hearted manner is fine! However, when you choose to make it a priority to publicly shame this campus for having you wake up a little earlier so you're able to get to class on time (as adults are expected to do), just imagine how people would look at that from their not so lucky perspective of poverty and other circumstances.
Take it or leave it. And please, if you continue to be unnecessarily negative towards Tarleton because they're expanding, choose the latter and leave. (Just a forewarning though, parking is limited at a lot of universities, so don't be surprised). I know plenty of people who attend other universities that typically walk at least a couple miles each day to class which is completely normal. Having trouble finding a parking spot is a typical college experience, so try to refrain from acting like this university killed your whole family simply because they're growing. Be happy that your university is flourishing! Have some pride and respect for the university you are choosing to attend and as my father would say, "Build a bridge and get on over it."
