Finding the Right Perspective
I know this sounds like a terrible cliche' but for me, having the right perspective just puts things into the right places. It helps you to somehow respond in such a way that feels right, not being filled with guilt. I know not all people would agree to some of your actions, but I'm pretty sure, that the simple act of seeing things correctly enables one to look, if not good, but consistent in the eyes of others.
I myself believe I found the right perspective on my education. For those of you who don't know yet, I study in UPLB, but did not pass their dreaded admission exam which was the UPCAT. I know for some of you, you see me now as this UP wannabe, but who cares. This experience was very humbling for me as it is displeasing to some.
But thank God he did not let me pass that exam. If I passed, my grades may not have been as good as it is right now, for I am a pretty average student who merely relies on effort, not on intelligence. As you can see, for someone to survive in our university, you should possess either of these two: intelligence (which includes diskarte, I believe) or hard work. And since I belonged in the latter, passing the exam means I need not to rely on my effort, because most probably, I'll believe I passed because I was intelligent.
Education is not a trophy we should brag about; it does not entirely measure our achievements. Studying in UP, for me, is not an achievement. It has become more of a privilege, after being admitted through reconsideration. And this fear, of having this privilege taken off from me, pushed me to believe I need to give more effort than anyone else who is studying in our university.
Seeing my education as a privilege brought me to places I thought I never could see, like ending my first year as a college scholar. I know the first year is quite easy and not challenging at all, and I might have some failing marks the following semesters; but armed with this perspective, I remain grounded and willing to accept the challenges the university has to give me. I may fail, but as long as I learn from it, I think I still have that privilege. Learning, after all, is best earned by experiences (specifically bad ones).
I am not an intelligent student, for I believe there are many people who are way brighter than me. A thousand miles brighter, I believe. The only thing I'm armed with is the right perspective, and of course, a loving God who faithfully guides me through all these things.
Find that view of life where you think it feels right. Because once you looked at the wrong side, you'll end up struggling, drowning in sheer confusion. In confusion there is chaos, the opposite of order, and the result of not looking at things in the right perspective.
