<#327Desk Column>
 
Running the Race Is Worthwhile
 
By Rigoberto Banta Jr., Head Student Editor
 
As only a month is officially left before the semester finally closes, most of us are still in a state of shock on how fast time flashes right in front of our eyes. Once we get back on our feet from the time we took off after midterms, time will be ticking once more as we make every possible effort to attain that grade we have fixated our eyes on even before the semester started. It will be momentous, it will be grand. Achieving one’s ultimate goal through the tough road always is the sweetest. While the tide might not be on our way most of the time, giving it a shot improves one’s chances rather than having done nothing. Goal setting pushes oneself to turn belief into reality, more commonly known as the Pygmalion effect. But will dreaming be enough to keep the wide-eyed wanderer on track?
In a time that self-help manuals top the bestseller shelves offering all-time favorite one-size-fits-all success recipes, concocting one’s own ‘success’ story needs more of what we can learn from the Butterfly effect. While small efforts may lead to huge changes in the future, small efforts are all but yet necessary. The mindset that all effort is needed in order to instill change is vital to balance the deterministic aim of goal setting. Doing all efforts to climb a mountain from preparation and pacing should be invigorated with the vision of reaching the summit. With all of these in mind, strategizing for the last hurdle of the semester should be a focal point for everyone.
Challenging to push my limits in order to realize my aspirations and ideals for the Chonnam Tribune has always encouraged me to work for long hours even beyond what is expected and what is required of a Head Student Editor. As I see the last length of my stay as the head editor, my almost four-year term has been rewarding and the race has been worthwhile. Quid pro quo, there were things that I have sacrificed here and there but the personal satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best is the best reward that I can keep for my own, a medal I owe to everyone that has helped along the way.
The summer vacation is fast approaching and we need to brace ourselves. In the middle of the buzz for school requirements, the first wave of selection processes for the plethora of vacation activities will be on the way as well. These opportunities will distract us to what we want and can do, giving an illusion and may make us fell distraught in the long-term. My two cents of advice would be that of preparation and focus. Plan your goals early and set your eyes on the prize. After all opportunity comes to those who are prepared.
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