Passion for Your Program is More Important Than Grades

It's just past mid-term now. I can't believe how fast time flies when you're having fun! And no, I'm not being sarcastic.

 

When I first got accepted into the journalism program, after the excitement of actually getting accepted passed, I started to worry that I made a mistake. I started to doubt my decision. After all, journalists have to talk to people day in and day out, and I've never been all that comfortable approaching people.

 

In the second week, when we finally started handing in assignments, my first grade was a 60 per cent. It was on a hard lede we had to write as our first assignment in Newswriting. Seeing such a lousy grade made me think that I had made a mistake, that I was too stupid for college and I should just give up while I could still get a refund (like I've mentioned before, I'm a pessimist by nature).

 

Obviously I didn't quit. Instead I put more effort into my next assignment and got 100 per cent.

 

The truth is, college isn't easy but it isn't nearly as difficult as I had feared either.

 

But more importantly than my intelligent or skill level, is my passion.

 

I never knew I could like something so much before. I'm excited to go to school every day, and while I don't enjoy some classes as much as others, I appreciate what I'm learning and know it will be useful (ahem, Group Dynamics).

And so I've just recently noticed something. My friends and family aren't nearly as excited about journalism as I am! Can you believe that? Big surprise, eh? Unfortunately they don't seem to want to listen to me describe each class, and each lesson, and each assignment in detail.

 

At first I didn't even realize how much I talked about school. Until one day I was telling Nick about my day for a couple of hours, until he finally said in the nicest way possible that he wanted to change topics. I wasn't insulted or anything. A few years ago the tables were turned and I had to kindly inform Nick that I just couldn't listen to him talk about work any more.

That's not to say that the people in my life aren't supportive! Because each of them are in their own ways.

The point is, it was an eye opener.

 

I knew I enjoyed my classes but having someone point out that all I talk about is what I'm learning (even law!) must mean that I really love it. Good grades or bad (or really a mix of both), I know I made the right choice because it feels right.

Obviously aiming for high grades is extremely important as well. What I mean by this is that sometimes you might not get as good a mark as you had hoped, or you might not start out getting good grades right away. But if you have passion for your program you will want to study, to do the work and constantly seek new information which is bound to lead to amazing grades, amazing opportunities and an amazing life.

Have you ever gotten that feeling before? That you were doing what you were meant to do?

Thanks,
Cole

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