VASIM KAPADIA

I recently read a quote that said, “There is no substitute for hard work” – Thomas A. Edison. I’m sure there are many people who have said something similar but the key thing to note is not the quote itself but the message being communicated. Hard work reigns, always.

This is a stressful time for many young people. Midterms, tests, assignments, and that’s just the school part. Not to mention everything else that’s happening in ones personal life. It can become overwhelming, fast. At times like these all you can try and do is cope with the situation, so you get up early, head to campus, grab a coffee, and spend your time in the library cramming with your friends. The stress that is brought on by everything that’s happening not only discourages, but also seeps in deeper forcing one to question their choices. Is this the right program for me? Maybe I’m not smart enough. I should’ve done what my friends are doing.

Firstly, stop and breathe. This is just another obstacle that you’re coming across as you’ve done several times before and will continue to do so. All you can do is try your best because the truth is you can’t do anything more than work hard. That’s it, plain and simple. If there were something more that could be done in order to succeed, people would be doing it. But there isn’t, it starts and ends with doing your best and working hard. If you know that you’ve put in the time and effort to succeed, then keep doing what you’re doing and things will work out. Maybe you don’t achieve the mark you wanted on this test or midterm, don’t fret, because your ability to work hard is a lot more valuable and will take you a lot further in life.

Now for those of you that are stressing out because you didn’t try your best, well, you know the changes that need to be made for the rest of the year. Reflect on the past couple of months, analyze your habits and routines and make the appropriate changes so that you can maximize your potential.

More importantly, don’t let these (minor) obstacles push you around. Your health and well-being are most important. If you feel you need a break, take it. Step away, do something that you enjoy, re-gather your thoughts and then come back to the task at hand. A bit of time away will make a big difference.

There is a lot more to school than tests and exams. Use your time to build good habits and look for the positives in each and every situation.

I wish all of you the best of luck.