We’ve reached the hardest point in the semester.
Some of us have papers and midterms every week, homework loads haven’t lightened and we still have another month until Thanksgiving break. These kinds of stresses often overwhelm students and lead them into negativity. I was definitely one of these students up until last week.
I’m expected to graduate in spring 2010, and the waiting period was really starting to get to me. I blamed mandatory attendance policies for my poor classroom performance, I resented the demands of 400-level classes and I hated that school was getting in the way of my social life.
All my academic-related concerns became utterly embarrassing and shameful last Thursday, when I found out that my friend and UA cheerleader Morgan Boisson had just died climbing Mount Everest.
I’ve always known that I was lucky to participate in the Arizona in Paris program with Morgan last summer. What I didn’t know was that I was with hilarious, sociable Morgan during the last few months of his life.
Like most people, I’m not new to loss. I lost a parent in 2006. You’d think this kind of tragedy would prevent me from complaining about petty things like homework, but somehow, I continued to allow myself to dwell on the small, unimportant annoyances of life. Morgan’s death at the age of 20 reminded me to appreciate every moment I have on earth, even if I have to spend some of that time doing things I don’t want to do.
On Morgan’s Arizona Athletics profile page, he listed this as his favorite quote: “”The future depends on what we do in the present.”” As someone who lived in many different countries and participated in a broad range of activities, he more than anyone knew how to make the most of his time on earth. Everyone else should follow his lead.
No matter how stressed you feel with school, work, finances, relationships or anything else, don’t enter the same dark place that your humble opinions editor once fell into. Don’t hold grudges, and don’t, by any means, stay angry with the people that you care about. If you love someone, tell him or her. Waste absolutely no more time trying to achieve what you want. Most importantly, always view the glass as half full, regardless of any adversity you may face.
— Laura Donovan is the opinions editor.
She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu
