Fall 2022 was the first year of “mask-optional, everything in-person” school year. The two years of COVID had affected students’ ability to interact with each other. The modalities of virtual interactions are very different from in-person interactions. I was worried.
As I sat on stage, looking out into the auditorium filled with anxious first year students, I scribbled a few things I thought may be useful in coping with a new life and new rules of engagement. I came up with five.
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To remind you of the 5 pieces of advice from me today:
- The difference between a reason and an excuse is timing: If you are struggling (with work, with life), let someone know so that we can help you before it becomes a catastrophe. Life happens even if you are a student and we are all here to support you. We are very good at what we do.
- You are only competing with yourself: We don’t have class rankings; we don’t publish who has a 4.0. C=degree. Everything else is cherry on top. Pass your classes and try your best, but don’t do it because you think you are competing with your classmates. Learn to learn and not because you think a good grade makes you who you are.
- Do less: Most of you said you want to make new friends, get to know Penn and Philadelphia, and that friends and family bring you joy. Remember there are only 7 days a week and 24 hours in a day. Honor the things that you love and bring you joy and make the time.
- Belly laugh every day: It got me through 2 years of COVID, to find something that I can genuinely laugh out loud about, every single day. Trust me: it will make you feel better and see your problems more clearly so that you can solve them. Laughter is really the best medicine.
- Eat, sleep, and shower: Please, do this for you–for all of us.
See you around Towne!
What will Dr. Gwak say? 