Is anyone else feeling insecure about not measuring up to other students’ accomplishments?
I’m a sophomore right now, and I often see myself as just an average student with no internship experience, standout extracurriculars, or leadership roles. While I do have a decent GPA, it feels like I’m using every ounce of mental energy to keep it up while balancing a part-time job. By the time I get my work done, I’m left with little motivation to send out countless applications or engage socially like some of my peers. I’m trying my best to apply for internships and attend recruiting events, but each time I come up empty-handed, I just feel lost and defeated.
Honestly, the main reason I wake up every day, sit through hours of classes, and dedicate even more time to studying is so I can unwind with mobile games afterward. I’m starting to lose hope that all this effort will lead to a good job.
It seems like everyone I know either has a clear sense of their future, with tons of internships and relevant experience, or they’re completely laid-back and okay with doing nothing (which I actually admire). Meanwhile, I feel this overwhelming urge to give up, even though I know I can’t.
How do you all cope with the nagging fear that you might not achieve anything during college, or later in life? And to my fellow Asian friends—how do you handle the pressure from family and family friends who constantly judge you with passive-aggressive comments about your accomplishments? I have friends who are already successful in their early to mid-twenties, and they often say things like, “If you just tried harder, you’d get an internship.” Their pressure makes me feel like I lack ambition or purpose.
How do you stay so unfazed?
It’s completely understandable to feel insecure and overwhelmed by the pressure of accomplishments, especially in such a competitive environment. Many students experience similar feelings, and you’re definitely not alone in this struggle. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and comparing yourself to others can often lead to feelings of inadequacy.
First, it’s commendable that you’re maintaining a good GPA while working part-time. That’s a significant achievement in itself! Balancing classes, work, and personal time is not easy, and it shows resilience and dedication. It’s okay to prioritize your mental health and well-being, and sometimes that means taking a step back from the grind to recharge.
If you’re feeling defeated after not landing internships or opportunities, try shifting your perspective. Instead of seeing them as failures, consider them as part of the learning process. Each application is a chance to refine your skills and understand what you’re looking for in your career. Networking events, even if they don’t lead immediately to opportunities, can still provide valuable connections and insights.
As for the pressure from peers and family, it can be really tough when expectations are high. It might help to engage in open conversations with them about your feelings and goals. Setting personal benchmarks, rather than comparing yourself to others, can also relieve some of that pressure. Focus on your own growth and interests; sometimes, pursuing what you genuinely enjoy can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Lastly, finding a supportive community, whether through friends, classmates, or online forums, can help alleviate some of the dread. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can make a big difference in how you navigate these feelings.
Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now, and your worth isn’t defined by the number of accomplishments you can list at this stage. Keep focusing on your studies and take care of yourself; the right opportunities will come in due time.