2008.
Basically, I have to work in the morning but I can't sleep. So I'm here updating this thing.
It's 2008. I'm 22 years old (23 in 4 months!) I wonder to myself: Have I accomplished everything I envisioned I'd accomplish by this point in my life? In many ways, yes. I graduated from college. I have a full time job at a school. I was accepted to grad school. I've been successful thus far in grad school. I have a beautiful apartment in a town I've always wanted to live in. It appears that I've accomplished more than I ever expected.
But in many cases, I was forced to accomplish these things. Let me elaborate. I moved out because my hand was forced, but not because I was ready. I made it through college in four years because I was told that a fifth year was unacceptable. I also couldn't afford a fifth year of college. I have a full time job because I need to be able to afford my apartment...not because I want to. Being a full time grad student and working full time at a high school is NOT easy.
I think in life though, progress is often forced. I know in my case, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and fend for myself. Life changes rapidly and people are forced to keep up or suffer being left behind. I've accomplished these great things by no choice of my own. Basically, I was forced to be successful, or else.
In addition, these accomplishments present greater challenges. Working full time with high school students is extremely difficult work. Being a full time grad student while working full time definitely has its challenges. I was told that full time students should only work ten to twelve hours a week with a nine credit load. I have a nine credit load (that's full time for a grad student) and I work thirty two hours a week. I keep pushing forward because I know that if I don't, the consequences could be severe.
Taking this all into consideration, I have a specific New Years resolution besides the typical "Go to the gym three times a week." Even though my life may not be perfect, I resolve that I will be thankful. I tend to focus on the complexities of my life versus the positive aspects. I have a lot going for me that many twenty somethings are still striving for. I am thankful that I can handle challenges and overcome adversity. I'm appreciative for what I've accomplished, regardless of whether I was forced to progress or progressed on my own accord.
I am content now. I think I can sleep.
Happy New Year everyone! :-) Strive to be thankful for what you have, even if your life isn't perfect.
It's 2008. I'm 22 years old (23 in 4 months!) I wonder to myself: Have I accomplished everything I envisioned I'd accomplish by this point in my life? In many ways, yes. I graduated from college. I have a full time job at a school. I was accepted to grad school. I've been successful thus far in grad school. I have a beautiful apartment in a town I've always wanted to live in. It appears that I've accomplished more than I ever expected.
But in many cases, I was forced to accomplish these things. Let me elaborate. I moved out because my hand was forced, but not because I was ready. I made it through college in four years because I was told that a fifth year was unacceptable. I also couldn't afford a fifth year of college. I have a full time job because I need to be able to afford my apartment...not because I want to. Being a full time grad student and working full time at a high school is NOT easy.
I think in life though, progress is often forced. I know in my case, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and fend for myself. Life changes rapidly and people are forced to keep up or suffer being left behind. I've accomplished these great things by no choice of my own. Basically, I was forced to be successful, or else.
In addition, these accomplishments present greater challenges. Working full time with high school students is extremely difficult work. Being a full time grad student while working full time definitely has its challenges. I was told that full time students should only work ten to twelve hours a week with a nine credit load. I have a nine credit load (that's full time for a grad student) and I work thirty two hours a week. I keep pushing forward because I know that if I don't, the consequences could be severe.
Taking this all into consideration, I have a specific New Years resolution besides the typical "Go to the gym three times a week." Even though my life may not be perfect, I resolve that I will be thankful. I tend to focus on the complexities of my life versus the positive aspects. I have a lot going for me that many twenty somethings are still striving for. I am thankful that I can handle challenges and overcome adversity. I'm appreciative for what I've accomplished, regardless of whether I was forced to progress or progressed on my own accord.
I am content now. I think I can sleep.
Happy New Year everyone! :-) Strive to be thankful for what you have, even if your life isn't perfect.