When I tell people that I am a full-time student and dual sport athlete with three part time jobs, I am often met with faces of shock. After explaining that I am also involved in my class's student council and various other clubs and organizations, the shock turns into amazement. When I add in the fact that I have maintained a respectable GPA, the crowd erupts into applause as if on cue. But it is not all sunshine and rainbows all the time. I am writing this article to dispel all of the myths, and clear up any rumors about what it really means to be an "overachiever."
No, my class work does not suffer. Sometimes when I explain the plethora of activities I'm involved in, people respond by assuming that I put my studies on the back burner. They also assume that my grades must be trash; however, neither assumption could be further from the truth. Having a busy schedule forces me to get my work done. I know that if I don't finish my papers by a certain time, then I won't be able to fit them into my schedule later. If anything, my hectic schedule makes me a better student.
Yes, it will look good on a resume, but that's not what I do it for. Sure, the clubs and organizations that I participate in are helping me gain the skills that are necessary to survive in a professional world, but I'm involved with things that I'm passionate about. Before I agree to commit my time to anything, I make sure that I love it enough to make sacrifices for it.
And this leads me to my next point...
Yes, I have to make sacrifices. And yes, that sacrifice is often sleep. I don't always get a full eight hours of shut-eye, but I use that as my excuse to nap during the little free time that I have during the day. I also don't skip sleep every night; I understand how unhealthy that can be and I know that I have to put my health first. Sometimes, the sacrifice I have to make is quality time with my friends and family. But these people never make me feel guilty for missing that time because they understand how committed I am to my activities.
No, I won't look back and regret my chaotic schedule. Many people have told me that one day, I will look back and wish that I had allowed myself to "party" more in college. I laugh at this notion because it implies two very incorrect ideas. One, that the only way to have an enjoyable college experience is to go to wild parties every weekend. And two, that I am going to regret being involved in things I am passionate about. I am not going to regret being involved in my university. I love my school. I know that I was meant to go to the university I'm attending, and I feel proud knowing that I have given myself back to my school's community.
But most importantly, yes, my parents are very proud. They have also made incredible sacrifices in order to offer me the opportunities that I've been given. I'm sure I don't even know all of the selfless things they have had to do in order to put my siblings and I first. But I do know that they have always put us before themselves. I am beyond grateful for every opportunity my parents have given me, and I know that they do everything they can to set me up for success. It's my responsibility to make the best of it all and I know that it is their sacrifices that have shaped me into the young person I am today.
