Seriously, though. I should.
I've caught so many lucky breaks this semester. Nay, in my entire existence here at BYU! My teachers, this semester especially, are constantly fixing my problems for me. Like, I got 45% on my last Russian test, and my dear teacher (God bless him) is letting me retake the exact same test for full credit because he supposedly "knows" I can do better than that. Well, yeah, if you let me memorize the test questions right before I take the exam, then I'll do fine... You know, I've never been big on the whole "hard work" thing. I mean, I work. I do well. But I don't work hard, I don't do my best. And I don't care as much as I should. I'm so content with mediocrity, it's not even funny. I don't know how I managed to make it into college with this attitude. And I've survived three (almost four) semesters with my GPA fairly intact. How did that happen!? I don't study. I don't do my readings. I don't even buy the books for my classes, oftentimes. And somehow, I pass. I'm not saying this to brag; quite the opposite, in fact. I'm ashamed! I have this silly motto: Cs get degrees. And I live by it. But it works for me! It really does! Today, for example, I took my biology test for which I studied not at all. I got a C+. Now you might think, "C+? That's not something to be proud of..." But to you I would say, "Nay, it is!" Because, you see, the last midterm I took for biology was a few weeks ago; in preparation for that test, I studied for a few hours AND attended a review session with the TA. And how do you think I did on that test? [drum roll please]........ I FAILED IT. Straight up failed. A grade like that in no way represents the time and effort I put into preparing for that test. So please tell me, what motivation have I to study? It's time-consuming. It's not enjoyable. Goodness knows it doesn't improve my grades. So what of it, then? Hmm...
I know, I know. "What a horrible attitude, Michaela! Don't you want to actually learn stuff while you're at college?" Well, yeah. I suppose learning is a good thing. But... I feel like I AM learning. Just not about stuff in class. I've learned more about myself, my friends, the world in my months at college that I ever could have dreamed of learning before I came here. That's valuable, isn't it? And what about the talents I've cultivated? The social skills I've developed? The friendships I've helped to thrive? I feel like I've earned a heck of a lot higher than a C+ with regards to THOSE subjects. And isn't knowing enough about yourself to ensure your own happiness more important to learn about than, say, Aeneis's love affair with Dido? Verily, I say unto you, YEA.
Whew, sorry to spring that on you, dear reader. I just needed a chance to self-validate my laziness. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
PS Lent update: Going strong, thank you very much. I haven't listened to my iPod AT ALL, and I've only missed two days of writing in my journal. I haven't done as well with meatless Fridays, but I'm 3 for 5 (which, considering my carnivorous tendencies, ain't too bad if you ask me). With only a week and a half till Easter, I'd say I'm pretty proud of myself.
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