This is the final week of classes and final exams begin next week (what kind of crazy is that?). Everything is quickly winding up; there does not seem to be a free moment anywhere in the schedule, and questions seem to be the white noise providing the sound track for every moment.<\/p>\n
Should I have done more? Am I going to make it? Will my grades be strong enough? Should I change majors? Do I really want to pursue a career in my chosen field? What happens if I fail? The cadence of the questions takes on the speed of a snowball accelerating as it comes down the mountain. With nothing to change its trajectory, what began as a normal-sized snowball grows into a snowball capable of smashing into oblivion. Moments become extreme sporting events we are confident we never prepared for, and breathing becomes hard.<\/p>\n
For times like these, I find stories to be gentle reminders of perspective and opportunities to breathe and re-create. In his book Tie-Ins for Life<\/u>, Joseph Shusko offers these words:<\/p>\n
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. \u201cThere are five things you need to know,\u201d he told the pencil, \u201cbefore I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone\u2019s hand.<\/em><\/p>\n Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you\u2019ll need it to become a better pencil.<\/em><\/p>\n Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.<\/em><\/p>\n Four: The most important part of you will always be what\u2019s inside.<\/em><\/p>\n And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.<\/em><\/p>\n The pencil understood and promised to remember and went into the box with purpose in its heart. <\/em><\/p>\n At the conclusion of the story, Shusko offers, \u201cNow replace the place of the pencil with yourself. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.\u201d<\/p>\n Shusko\u2019s words are powerful. His words challenge us with perspective, reminding us of the good\u2026 and painful things that knit us together and empower us to make our mark.<\/p>\n As the end of the semester approaches, I invite you to remember the five things you need to know in order to become the best person you can be. Write them down. Place them on your mirror. Memorize them. Meditate on the words and keep them as your focus. Allow the power of the Shusko\u2019s words to infuse your being and remind you of your possibility, your worth, and your destiny.<\/p>\n Know our office is open if you would like a place to breathe and re-create.<\/p>\n Katrina<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This is the final week of classes and final exams begin next week (what kind of crazy is that?). Everything is quickly winding up; there does not seem to be a free moment anywhere in the schedule, and questions seem …<\/p>\n