The Success Paradox
March 19, 2023
Author: Delaney Brown
Editor: Maddie Canter and Maureen Diehl
High GPA. Leadership roles. Extracurriculars. Stellar test scores. Oodles of awards. All things that, to some capacity, everyone who goes to University of Michigan had in high school. To get here, we were the overachievers, the top of our classes, and the students with big aspirations. Our lives revolved around being involved in our schooling and all of the sports, clubs, and events we filled our schedules with. Getting into Michigan and possibly other selective schools proved our hard work and drive to be worth all the sacrifices we made along the way to get here.
However, there comes the day that “I’m going to UMich!” turns into “I go to UMich.” You quickly realize that your status changed from exceptional to average, or even below average. This feeling is something that nobody ever really prepares you for; the feeling of the security and confidence you used to have slipping away out of reach. In high school, everything you did was so that you could get into a good college, but when you get to college, it’s all about the self-discipline and personal motivation to push yourself to follow through with what you started.
Now, your classes are harder. You have to spend hours on hours just to get a grade you’re decently satisfied with. You have to set time aside to spend time with your friends and nourish new bonds. You have to get used to living in a new city surrounded by unfamiliar faces. All of these adjustments take time and energy, yet we are still drowning in the unchecked boxes.
What clubs are you in? Have you landed an internship? Are you going to do a minor? What job do you want to get with your degree?
Around us, it feels like everyone has an answer. They seemingly have their life planned out. Not only do we have the pressure from our peers’ successes, but also from others thinking we should have it all figured out. The paradox of being so successful in the past that it ends up hurting us more in the future because of the pressure from ourselves to support the standards we are used to upholding.
To those who are unsure of what exactly they want to do, this can be incredibly troublesome because although everyone says, “you have time to figure it out,” it's not always that simple. You might have many passions, or none, or just aren’t sure what you are interested in. It is easy to sit in this discontent with what you’re doing or where you’re headed, however you will feel better if you take actions towards feeling satisfied with the future you’re working towards.
First, remind yourself that it is 100% okay to not be sure about the future. Everyone is figuring it out on their own, and you are not behind. Then, start being an active advocate for your future. Watch videos about careers you’re interested in, take career quizzes, book an appointment with a career counselor on campus, talk to people experienced in the field, or shadow professionals.
The future unfolds itself as you learn more about yourself; take time to do a deep dive into your values and interests. Along the way, remember that the journey to your future is also the future. You have time, and you always will.
Image: One day at a time. | Quote aesthetic, Time quotes, Inspirational quotes
