For the “try-hards” in college,

It sucks that our society portrays trying hard in a negative light. We’re at the stage of our lives where we’re supposed to learn the most, yet our peers seem to discourage us from doing so. Raising our hands in class, going to office hours, and sitting in the front of the class make students automatically label us as the “nerds” of the class. The word itself has a negative connotation amongst students as if working hard is a sin. Please forgive me, God, for trying to make the best out of my education!

At the moment, the notion that not trying is considered to be “cool” seems so high school to me. In my super competitive high school, people would try to act like they didn’t study, even though it was obvious that they were up all night reading the textbook over and over again. On the other hand, when I said I didn’t study, I actually meant it.

Honestly, we’re all paying an insane amount of money for college and not just for the experience, but to increase our knowledge and intelligence. For us to not participate in class and to not ask questions defeats the whole purpose of our job as a student. Instead, we should just embrace it.

Embrace your intelligence. Be proud of working your butt off to secure your future career interests. Not everyone can say that they genuinely tried hard to pursue their passions, let alone identify what their passions even are.

College is the time to learn about yourself and take advantage of all the opportunities given; so don’t be shy, raise your hand and answer that question loud and proud!

With love,

Valeria Park