Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

What I’ve taken away from my time at Mason

BY CAROLINE FRISBY, STAFF WRITER

As a graduating senior, I’ve been taking the time to reflect on my years as a college student. The amount of self-growth I’ve seen in myself has helped me to lead a more fulfilling life. While there are many aspects of life that people might want to improve, I’ve grown in my mindset the most. Before I graduate, I’d love to impart some of my hard-earned wisdom onto the world. 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that while sometimes comparison can help us learn from others, oftentimes it results in selling ourselves short. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparing oneself to other people has become easier to do than ever before because of social media. I often felt inadequate as a result of my comparisons. 

However, the thing to remember is that there is more to others than we realize. When you compare yourself to another person, you’re only seeing part of the picture.

For example, I used to feel like I was behind in life because a few of my friends had romantic relationships whereas I have never had them before. Over time, I saw that both being single and being in a relationship have difficult aspects. Since then, I’ve embraced that everyone is on their own unique path in life. Instead of trying to measure up with others, I learned to embrace my own strengths and celebrate small wins.

Another lesson I’ve learned is that some things are just out of my control. Although I am excited for this chapter of my life to end, I’m also anxious about what I will do after I graduate. I’ve tried applying to several internships but did not get past the interview stage. Recently, I had an interview with a hiring manager from a small non-profit organization. The interviewer seemed really excited about having me on their team because her organization was looking for someone who had strong video production skills. She even asked me how soon I would be able to start the position.

I was thrilled and sent an email the next morning saying that I would be available to start a part time position in early April. However, I never heard back from her. That experience was discouraging, and I felt anxious about finding a job that would work out for me. Since this organization was a non-profit, this opportunity may have been impacted by the cuts to federal government spending and perhaps could not afford to hire another person. 

In retrospect, I think that I was too quick to blame myself. I realize that sometimes opportunities do not work out due to factors beyond my control. Small shifts in perspective can make a huge difference. Life will always have its obstacles, but it’s how you respond to them that matters. There are other opportunities out there. I just need to search for them.

Another lesson I’ve learned while in college is the importance of building good relationships. In high school, I did not have a lot of close friends and felt especially isolated and lonely during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The Office of the Surgeon General said isolation negatively impacts one’s well-being. For example, adults who report loneliness are more likely to develop depression than adults who do not. However, Co-Founder and CEO of Kindness.org Jaclyn Lindsay said that doing acts of kindness for others has many benefits, including relieving stress and reducing anxiety.

I saw the impact of kindness in my own life when I joined a student organization and made friends. It’s so important to have people in your life who are supportive of you, vice versa. 

Last summer, my grandfather passed away. Although he’d been unwell for the past few weeks, no one in my family expected him to go so soon. When I confided in one of my friends about my grief, she was there to comfort me. She asked me to share my fondest memories of him, and doing so helped me to heal. By opening up to others in my community about my problems, I learned that I am not alone.

Pats for Patriots, a program within the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at Mason, understands how small acts of kindness can go a long way. Participants can send words of appreciation to a member of the Mason community by filling out an online form. I highly encourage everyone to submit a kind note to Pats for Patriots. You never know how much someone needs to hear a few words of encouragement. 

To anyone who is currently going through the same difficulties I have, and would encourage you too, to know that you have a lot to offer and to not to sell yourself short. College life comes with ups and downs. Just remember that other people are in the same boat.