The Journey Through College

Until I reached the senior project phase, I believed that the school accepted students who had what it took to complete their degrees. The process of the senior project revealed the mechanisms the college had in place to ensure only those who truly earned their degrees could graduate. I knew several individuals who were not allowed to continue their studies and had to return for further work.

Upon reflection, what truly sustained me during my academic journey was the constant reminder that I never felt I had done enough or known enough. The final hurdle was an interview with a panel of professors—more like an inquisition from the student's chair, which is why euphemisms exist.

The most useful information in the interview was the knowledge I gained after researching and submitting my project. This experience taught me the value of continuous learning and the importance of staying determined.

Key Factors in Navigating Academia

Coffee

One of the most significant factors that kept me awake and focused during my school days was coffee. Coffee is an integral part of my daily routine. I need it to stay alert after waking up, during my commute to school, and my classes. Coffee helped me stay awake during important tests and bouts of drowsiness during boring classes. My caffeine dependency reached a critical level, with coffee becoming a constant presence in my life.

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Support and Determination

Several things played a crucial role in helping me through my rough patches during school.

Parents as Guiding Light
My parents played an essential role in ensuring I understood my options if I did not complete my degree. They were the guiding light that helped me maintain a sense of direction and purpose throughout my academic journey.

Personal Determination
I had a strong desire not to become a dropout. Even when I took time off from college, I felt like a student who was about to complete my degree. This determination kept me motivated and on track.

Crappy Jobs
Crappy jobs, like working as a cash register at McDonalds, were not an option for me. My first job was working at McDonalds, and I knew it was not a viable long-term career. As a young college student, I also worked as a preschool teacher, which, despite its challenges, helped me gain a deeper understanding of life outside academia. Even more, the experience of working with a challenging child named Donald further emphasized the importance of completing my education.

Reflecting on a lifetime filled with such experiences, including Donald and my time at McDonalds, made it clear that I needed to complete my schooling. These experiences echoed the importance of perseverance and the value of staying committed to one's goals.

Key Takeaways

Coffee: Sustained me through daily academic challenges. Support from Parents: Guided me through tough decisions and provided a sense of direction. Personal Determination: Kept me focused and motivated to complete my degree. Crappy Jobs: Highlighted the importance of staying committed to one's education.

Ultimately, these factors combined to help me navigate the challenges of college and achieve my academic goals.