Trying to define “success” at 4 a.m.
TRYING TO DEFINE “SUCCESS” AT 4 A.M.
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Remember those fluorescent-lit common rooms, the hum of the shared lounge, and the faint scent of instant coffee? Where the biggest questions of the universe, and your own existence, were tackled between a philosophy paper and a forgotten bag of chips. It was 4 a.m., again. The mice might have been quiet, but your mind certainly wasn't. We’ve all been there, haven't we? Staring at the ceiling, the glow of your laptop long faded, wrestling with concepts far grander than the syllabus suggested.
The initial definition of "success" seemed simple: good grades, a prestigious internship. But in those pre-dawn hours, fueled by caffeine and an almost manic energy, success felt... different. It wasn't about the GPA; it was about the thrill of a new idea, the solidarity of a shared struggle, the profound discomfort of not knowing but desperately wanting to understand. Those were the nights of intellectual madness, where ideas bounced off walls, reshaping perspectives.
For those currently navigating these intense years, know this late-night wrestling match with purpose is part of this journey. And for alumni, a nostalgic pang hits. That 4 a.m. clarity, or glorious confusion, shaped who you are far more than any lecture. It’s not just about diplomas; it's about those defining, sleep-deprived moments where you truly began to understand what "success" meant, beyond any textbook definition. It was messy, exhausting, and utterly transformative.
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