PPT Slide
© Faith A. Morrison, Michigan Tech U.
Final Words . . . (this slide read, but not shown) www.chem.mtu.edu/~fmorriso/advising/FAQ.html#life
What is the meaning of life?
Ah, the big questions. Of course we do not know the meaning of life, but I do have opinions on how one conducts oneself in life. We often focus on our goals in life - financial, personal, professional - and we sometimes tend to believe that achieving those goals will make us happy. As you go forward in life, however, you find that the goals are elusive. Whether you achieve them or not, you eventually go on to pursue new goals. It does not make sense, for example, that once you obtain your near-term goals - degree, job, family - that life is over and you've succeeded (or that if you do not achieve these goals that you have failed). We can point to any number of people who have achieved these goals and have gone on to be unhappy or downright antisocial and criminal, and equally we can point to any number of people who have not managed to complete degrees or get dream jobs or establish a family who are nonetheless happy and productive members of society.
So what's the deal? I believe that the deal is that it is the journey that matters. What you learn along the way to your near-term goals is what is important, and it is what defines you. Are you a trustworthy individual? Are you kind to others? Do you think carefully before you act? Do you consider the feelings and needs of others when you choose your actions or are you so focussed on your goals and needs that you stomp all over anyone in your way? Your actions and choices in the paths you take define you and mold you into the person you become. Your lifelong project is you.
What does this have to do with undergraduate advising? Nothing, and everything. I'm writing this just to put a little whisper in the back of the minds of anyone who reads it to take some time and think about the big picture - life. When you face an ethical challenge, if you think about the person you would like to be, you can be aided in making your decision. Looking at the big picture can also help you decide between courses (take an elective, or graduate early?), degrees (I'm an engineer but I've always wanted to teach - maybe I'll minor in secondary education just for fun), extracurricular activities (I have a real talent I'd like to develop and share), and social activities (hey, I can only make friends with these folks now; I can't put that off until after graduation!). And remember, each choice will bring about a different outcome. Not all your choices will lead to comfortable places, but as long as you learn and grow based on your experiences, every path can be productive. --Dr. Faith Morrison 4/16/03