When Dr. Hill asked us to blog about something that “matters to you”, my first reaction was to find another event because it would be too difficult a blog to write- I wouldn’t know where to even start or how to answer. Although I do not think I will ever be able to produce an answer satisfactory to myself, the following are two aspects which have been especially relevant to my current journey.

One is the importance of appreciating those things that make life great, but easy to take for granted. Academics, clubs, research, etc- of course they all matter very much to me. And with a full schedule, sometimes it can feel like I am constantly working towards my next goal, and it becomes easy to lose touch with those things that are best. Because in the end what is most important to me are the relationships that stay with you for life: through joy and struggle, my family and friends are there for me and I am here for them. If I didn’t have anything, I would have the relationships I have built and the people I love.

Another aspect is the importance of mindset. I read a piece by David Foster Wallace called “This is Water” a while ago, and the lessons echoed in the piece are relevant to many aspects of college life and beyond. The main message is quite simple but the implications are profound: we ultimately shape the world we live in through the way we think; by being more aware of how we view the world, we can gain more from life. Our “default setting” is our own brain-dead megaphone, yet “better” thinkers are those who have one fundamental characteristic: empathy. This piece has been a great lesson to keep in mind, it inspires me to always be optimistic and open-minded. Because we create the ocean we swim in, it is enhanceable with new modes of thinking and openness to variety of perspectives. Another take: as one can choose to to be bitter or defeated come inevitable setback and disappointment, alternatively, one can consciously choose a growth mindset and take setbacks as an opportunity  for improvement in the future.