Exceptional academic performance, well-curated extracurricular involvement, impressive resume content, strong networking skills and mastery in securing internships are just a few of the qualities we often associate with the idea of a “perfect student.” Who wouldn’t want a successful college experience? Who wouldn’t want the satisfaction of a productive day on campus? We all aspire to be the ideal student who seems to have everything figured out. But why do so many of us feel like we fall short?
I often catch myself asking, “Am I doing enough? Was I more productive than yesterday?” While these questions help keep me accountable, they can also be draining. To make matters worse, I sometimes encounter people who seem to have achieved everything I dream of for my college life. It can be disheartening when we compare ourselves to others instead of finding encouragement in those around us who are also “on the grind.”
Despite our tendency to compare ourselves to seemingly perfect students, we must recognize that perfection doesn’t exist. In high school, I was labeled an ideal student, yet I knew I had flaws and struggles hidden from view. It’s essential to remind ourselves that we know little about the people we encounter daily on campus. Even those who seem to have achieved everything we aspire to have faced their challenges and moments of confusion. No one has it all figured out. Life is unpredictable; sometimes things work out, and sometimes they don’t. We may find ourselves exactly where we envisioned, or we may wind up in places we never expected to be.
This is our first time experiencing life, and with that comes inevitable mistakes. You will miss out on some internships, skip a few assignments, forget some events and sometimes cry yourself to sleep. If you’re an international student like me, you might feel the weight of missing your family and struggle to find the time to call them. However, alongside these challenges, you will also learn and grow. You will make friends; some good, some not so good. You will network, attend your first career fair, share rooms with strangers who will become friends, explore new foods and enjoy movie nights on the Quad. You will achieve so much of what you’ve dreamed for yourself.
You must let go of the “perfect student” ideology and embrace your unique journey. Give yourself time and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Even though you may occasionally question your own progress, remember that there are many people out there who might see you as their version of “perfect.”
As the world becomes increasingly competitive, it’s natural to feel like you’re falling behind. But success is not measured by a flawless record; it’s about resilience, growth and the connections you build along the way. Celebrate your journey and know that every step you take is a valuable part of your personal story. Life is not about achieving perfection. It’s about embracing the beautiful mess of being human.
