Care

Parker does not always exercise good self-care. Sometimes Parker works too many hours at a time or doesn't take time to reflect and relax. As a result work produced or students assisted don't always get Parker's best efforts.

Fortunately, Parker has a dog named Vector. Vector does a pretty good job of letting Parker know when it's time to take a break.

Unprepared

Parker was not prepared for class. Rather than spending some time doing reading and going in with a sense of confidence and a willingness to take risks in sharing insights, Parker consulted the 8 ball.

Parker: Will I be okay in class today even though I haven't done my homework?
8 Ball: Don't count on it.

Parker: (assuming a more thorough shaking of the 8 Ball would produce more accurate results) Should I be worried about class today since I haven't done my reading?
8 Ball: It is certain.

Parker: (now in complete panic mode and thinking maybe it was the phrasing of the question that threw off the 8 Ball from giving a good response) I shouldn't be worried about going to class today, right?!!
8 Ball: Reply hazy. Try again.

Parker: (now a little relieved, but still in pursuit of a clearer response) I should NOT be worried about going to class today, right?
8 Ball: Outlook not so good.

Parker threw the 8 Ball into the trash.

Note: Relying on the 8 Ball may not be the best way to get guidance for your academic career.

Called On

EVERY. OTHER. PERSON. in class raised their hands, but the teacher insisted on calling on Rory. Rory didn't particularly like that. It's as if their faculty member expected EVERYONE to learn the material. That seemed unreasonable to Rory.

Bag

Rory was excited to have a new book bag for the new semester. Rory was sure that the new bag would help with organization, time management, communication skills, APA, information retention, exam preparation, study skills, financial responsibility, note-taking, listening skills, and stress management.

Rory's expectations for the new bag were unreasonably high.

2017

Dear 2017,

Hi. I hope you are doing well so far. I am writing you this letter because I want us to get a few things in order before the new semester at school begins. 

First, let's just agree that you are going to go by quickly. I know that it won't always feel that way, but it will be true. 

Next, I plan on having more good times than bad. It would be great if you could support me on that. I know that ultimately it is up to me to make that happen, and I will. That said, I'm not sure what all is in store and I'd like more good days than bad. Thanks in advance for that.

Third, I'm going to need more naps than I have in the past. That's a non-negotiable.

Fourth, I'd like to live in the moment more and worry about the future less. That may seem counterintuitive given that I'm writing this letter to the upcoming year. I'm trying to exercise foresight now so I can relax more and enjoy each day more in the future.

Finally, let's make this the best year we can. Grad school is hard, but participating in higher education is a privilege. I need to remember that. I have lots of opportunities and people who support me. I need to appreciate that. I am responsible for my own choices and behaviors - don't let me forget that. Happiness takes work and I'm willing to do my part and I hope that you 2017 are willing to do yours.

One more thing... if you could help me lose my car keys less and do the assigned reading a bit more this year, that would be much appreciated.

Love, Parker.