The 5th Week of the Semester

Ahnaf Aaqif
Aug 24, 2017 · 2 min read

You’re way behind on lectures. You have quizzes, tests and assignments left, right and centre.

Your diet has gone out the window. Sleep? Well whats that? You need to go the gym more often.

You spend longer nights at the library. Your room is a mess. You’re not sure if you’ll finish your assignment on time.

You contemplate the validity of modern day educational institutes. You are amazed that you have to pay upto $41k every year in tuition fees.

Is this worth the monetary investment? What are the oppurtunity costs for spending three years at this institution?

I’m 18. This is when I should be taking massive risks. Why am I here again?

You have aspirations of making money. Building your own business.

So you work your ass off.

You listen to business gurus and read marketing books. Master the art of using LinkedIn. You go to networking events.

You’re trying to balance a full-time engineering load with three jobs and a side business.

You think you might be biting off more than you can chew?

You remember that your parents sacrificed a lot to get you here. Are you just going to throw that away?

Despite this, you still make time for those little moments.

For those 2am run to Maccas with your mates.
For learning how to skateboard.
For harmonising Ed Sheeran songs with your roomies.
For dancing to any beat you like.

You realise you live in one of the safest cities in the world. You are grateful you can walk, grateful you have a heater so you don’t freeze to death at night.

You manage to sneak in some time to see your friends. Laugh a little, pull of some pranks and discuss the imperative future of Game of Thrones.

You share stories, you listen. You realise that people are fascinating.

Despite the pressures of university and work, you fight through.

You have people that love you and trust you. For that you are grateful. For that, you are happy.

)

Written by

Lover of books, writing and people. A 19 year old trying to make an impact by taking action everyday.

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