At 7pm this past Monday, I found myself sitting in the library bordering on my 8th hour of being in the same chair; slowly losing all motivation for studying the Supreme Court’s most recent 20 landmark cases.
I decided I needed a break, and stepped outside to call my mother. As I began to complain to my mom about how long I had been studying and how much longer I had to go, she said, “Courtney, be grateful that the biggest problem you have is an exam that you’re half way done studying for, your life could always be worse.”
After hearing this, I thought back on all the times my mom had said this to me and how important my problems seemed in those moments. I quickly realized that every seemingly-terrible situation always passes and how lucky I actually was. Tell my parents, tell my professors, and label me a traitor to my fellow students but it’s true. I am lucky.
I sat for a few minutes and mulled this idea over and slowly I began to feel a slight tinge of remorse for begrudging my professor and my undeniable tendency to procrastinate.
Let’s be honest, college is a privilege, not a right, and my ability to attend Loyola is an extreme privilege. There are students that are not only unable to attend a university away from home but who can’t even dream of going to college because that’s just not an option for them.
I think there are several opportunities for college students to become jaded and forget why we’re all really here. Ultimately, college can be extremely stressful, but it’s imperative to remember the process of getting into college.
Looking back on my senior year, I remember how excited I was to send out applications and get letters back and how badly I wanted to fulfill my dream of going to New Orleans for school. I didn’t think I would ever lose that enthusiasm for my education and when I reflect on how different my life could be, that familiar rush of excitement always comes back. Because at the end of the day, regardless of midterms, papers, and professors, I am here, exactly where I always wanted to be.
