I still can vividly call back the memory of walking on the campus for the very first time, back in my freshman days. Time flew so fast, and now I stand right in the middle, between entry and graduation, as a junior student. Throughout the two years, I have lost a lot, but learned some lessons at the end. Thus, I wanted to share two personal lessons I have learned, as my first editorial article as Editor-Chief.
First, be careful what group of people you put yourself into. Humans are social animals and we all know that. However, not many notice how critically the people you put near you, can change your lifestyle, and because especially, throughout university, you are going to do a lot of activities with your friend groups, it is going to influence you a lot. If you compared my lifestyle in 2023 spring semester and fall semester, you would say I am two different people. I am not trying to judge these friends are bad and these are good, but I am trying to say that students do not really realize how friend groups can change them, even completely. Acknowledging this can help you get closer to living the life you really want to live.
Second, not failing does not necessarily mean you are winning. As Jordan Peterson said, “You might object: I should be winning at everything! But winning at everything might only mean that you are not doing anything new or difficult. you might be winning but you are not growing, and growing might be the most important form of winning. Personally, I thought my life would end if I did not get a perfect GAP, but it did not. It made me review my studying habits and thing I were doing wrong, hence, led me to attaining more effective studying habits. The idea of failing is indeed scary. However, overcoming this fear will lead you to bigger places. It will give you bigger victory than the one you would have felt like you have got, when not trying, hindered by the fear of failing. Be brave, try, and if at first you do not succeed, try, try, try again!
I am grateful to have learned these valuable lessons, and I hope it helped you in anyway too. As you start a brand-new academic year, remember, be careful who you surround yourself with, and do not be afraid to fail!