The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 3 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on November 8, 2019
By Esther Kim ’22
Staff Writer
“Life isn’t a race.”
“Take care of yourself.”
“Mental health is important.”
“Sleep eight hours a day.”
“Eat three meals a day.”
“Drink more water, less coffee.”
“The slow turtle wins the race.”
These inspirational quotes seem like a joke to me now. I don’t often dismiss positive incantations. But in this case, I feel like the polite sentiment is sometimes an after-thought or a moral obligation, at this point. It’s implied that our lives on campus are human first, and a student second, and our other obligations, third. Unfortunately, that goes awry. Let me go into some of the hoops us college students have to jump through to get that degree.
The game of pointing fingers: almost every group project turns into a “someone did all the work” and game of pointing fingers. Whether it be in an academic setting, an extracurricular commitment, or even a job, I am often faced with the decision of my role in changing the situation. As a member of multiple organizations, I can’t tell you how often organizations hide their problems and then pass it on to future generations. The words “I’m struggling” can spark conversations of “Everyone’s busy—a commitment is a commitment, right?” instead of an “Are you okay?”
C’s get Degrees Marathon: I guarantee you that everyone has done terribly on at least one exam. Freshmen realize very quickly during chemistry classes that being pre-med is something they don’t want anymore, and that’s 100% okay. No one talks about struggling, because, again, college is a giant cesspool of almost-adults in liminal stages of their lives that cannot accept that life takes failing to figure out what’s working. It’s not a competition, I promise. Do not prey on vulnerable friends, don’t flex on them, actually listen.
Taking Care Battalion: I have to emphasize that college is a giant cesspool of both germs and toxic practices. People tell you to practice self-care, unless it affects your responsibilities to their project. I’m here to tell you that it’s absolutely not selfish to eat food, take a shower, and have mindful time to yourself. Of course, don’t over-do it, but, please. I care about you as a person first.
Yes, I did choose to have my schedule full. Yes, I choose my majors. Yes, I did not get my full eight hours last night. But when did life become a giant Oppression Olympics? Next time someone is ranting about their professors, their grades, their roommate, or not sleeping, eating, or all of the above, think about extending that olive branch. There is no medal for the “Most Suffering Human Being.” We’re in this mess together, and that should be honor enough.
Esther Kim can be reached at kimed@mx.lakeforest.edu
