The semester is coming to an end. It’s reflection time for those of us who messed up royally. Self criticism, self doubt, worry, or D. all of the above. I’m here to tell you it’s ok, don’t beat yourself up too bad about it.
I understand what you’re thinking, because I’m right along with you in this boat. Self dialog say’s “Am I going to graduate on time? Why did I let this happen? Am I good enough? Why am I doing this anyway? Should I just go back to work or join the military? I’m letting people down.”
“Chin up buttercup, c’est la vie, bootstraps,” say’s Bob your uncle. He’s kinda right. But Uncle Bob, it’s not always that simple. I’m not lazy. Some subconscious condition caused me to fail/withdraw my classes. “Well there you have it,” he replies.
Analyze and interpret. Maybe like George Jung you had the wrong dream, but you’re on the right path. Education develops skills and abilities that can assist in achieving independence, success, and dreams. Don’t let a bad semester kill those dreams. Quit digging the grave and look around.
What do you see? You might have slacked, but you learned something since August. You’ve gotten a small taste of what you want to do in your future.
You surely don’t want to go back to that dead end job or continue the one you have now. Will you come back at it next semester with a renewed fire under your ass, or is it time for a change?
For those whose failure stoked their booty flames, great! Learn from your failures as well as your successes, and come back this spring ready to knock the ball out of the park. Get over your hickup, for this too shall pass. You’ll “Join Us” at graduation eventually and be a better person for it.
You might be like me and crave change, reflecting on your subconscious self sabotage and what to make of it. A break from academia might be in order, or even mandatory because your messy semester landed you on academic probation.
I urge that person planning to take a break to get out of town. Most people who take a break from college don’t come back. You’ll find comfort in your entry-level job and next thing you know you’re telling your grown kids to buckle down and earn their degree because you worked yourself to death to provide them that opportunity.
So get out of Dayton, leave Ohio, go on an adventure. Join the reserves if you feel you need the discipline. Try a Workaway program or get a job on a cruise ship or ski resort. Drive out west and follow the harvest south. Gain new experiences and perspectives then come home to Dayton, register at Sinclair, and carry on with a fresh mind.
You want a better situation than you have, that’s why you came to Sinclair in the first place. You dream of bigger things. And though memory of those dreams might be foggy and incomplete, you need to know they will come into focus over the course of your journey.
Go talk to your advisor and register for the spring semester, or down to the library to read Jack Kerouac. Pass this kidney stone and move on. Whatever you do, keep spiraling up and out.
Will Drewing
Managing Editor