With midterms looming in the distance, it's hard not to think about acing those exams and helping our GPAs. Listen, your GPA should not and does not define your entire life.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, your GPA can have an effect on the jobs you get in the future and whom you network with. But, listen. That isn't your entire life either. Your entry-level job doesn't control your future; doing your job the best you can and respecting your employer and coworkers do. Your GPA doesn't determine who you network with. Your ability to be outgoing and converse with others around you do.
Of course, you should do your best work. Do your personal best, whatever that may be. If you do your best, that should be all that matters. When I was growing up, we had a personal motto in our house. This motto has basically summed up my entire academic career to date and that was (and is) to do your best. I still remember my grandfather saying to me "I will never be mad at you for the grades that you make, as long as you are doing your best work."
College is such a formative time in our lives. We learn so much about ourselves. Whether it be how to manage our time, how to manage our money, forming new relationships with new people, or discovering new interests. Why then, do we act as if our college GPA completely and totally determines the rest of our lives? We know it's not healthy, but we continue to do it.
I propose that we stop living in so much angst all the time. Here's the thing, yes, GPA is important and yes, we should all do our own personal best work. But, you have the rest of your life to be a "real adult," and you have the rest of your life to worry about things. So, why rush it? Why start now? If your GPA isn't stellar or you are worried about raising it, this is for you. Your GPA won't get you places in life; your character will. Your GPA won't help you get to know the right people; the way you treat others will. Your GPA won't solve all your problems; Jesus will. Your GPA won't magically give you a better work ethic; your personal resolve will.
Everything is going to be OK. You will make it and be better than ever.
