Sheridan S.
If you're reading this, remember: perspective is everything.
Dear Reader,
Life is undoubtedly beautiful. However, it sometimes goes too fast. Some days, you feel like you are on top of the world, while others feel like everything is spiraling out of control, leaving you searching for peace. As a college student, I've learned how easy it is to get lost in the constant hustle of trying to build a future, which is often at the expense of appreciating the present moment. I have always struggled with setting high expectations for myself, causing me to feel that my world is collapsing if I fail to meet them. Whether it's grades, family struggles, body image, or more, it's way too easy not to feel "good enough."
Over time, I have discovered the powerful tool of perspective that helps me navigate these ups and downs of life. When I first entered college, I set a clear life path of how my life should unfold, assuming that if I had not met these goals, I would have failed. However, as I've grown throughout my college career, my attitude started to shift when I realized perspective is everything. One's perspective allows you to step back from the hustles of life to see the bigger picture. Once I shifted my mindset and allowed myself to rewrite my own narrative, I began to understand that the small things that once seemed overwhelming don't always matter as much as we think they do.
We don't need to live each day like it's our last because some days it's just not practical. And that's okay because, in reality, no single person can change the world, but each of us holds the power to make a difference in the people around us. No, I'm not perfect; I'm far from perfect, but I've learned that being courageous, kind, and genuine matters way more than achieving some arbitrary expectation we and society have set for ourselves. So remember to cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, and try not to get caught up in the pressures of society. One's happiness doesn't necessarily come from these rigid expectations society has set for us. Instead, it's found in the beauty of the world around us, often in the simplest things—like a smile that can brighten someone's entire day.
So, if you're reading this, take a moment to reflect: perspective is everything. It has the power to change the way you see yourself and the world around you.
Sheridan S., Syracuse University
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