Though I do a great deal of academic advising and understand the rampant competition for undergraduate and graduate admissions, I am always careful about suggesting activities for the “wrong reasons.”  I never want students to participate in activities just for the admissions process; rather, I urge genuine interest and the pursuit of excellence.  A stellar application is merely a by-product of bona fide effort.

Nonetheless, it is still valuable to investigate one’s activities through the lens of the application process.  Though often reserved for the eleventh hour – after real change is feasible – self-reflection is a vital facet of undergraduate and graduate admissions.  This article is therefore meant to raise those same life questions we often postpone until someone else demands an answer.  As usual, a little introspection now will go a long way later.

Upon meeting any student, I always ask the cardinal questions about life: where have you been; where are you now; and, where are you going?  These, of course, are questions we should each ask ourselves all the time.  Unfortunately, obligation and stress often distract from essential reflection.  As a result, problems of planning and fulfillment inevitably arise.

Most adults, for instance, remain unsure what they want to be when they grow up.  So, it should not come as a surprise when short-sighted teenagers lack future goals as well.  Though existential malaise is the affliction of our era, it is not incurable.  The essential first step is to discover one’s passion(s) in life.

When considering passions, there is never a wrong answer.  Your passions are personal, and no one can rightly judge or rank their importance for you.  There is only one prerequisite to determining your passions: introspection.  If upon genuine consideration you determine your passion is writing, sailing, skydiving, or video games – yes, even video games – you should pursue that interest with unadulterated effort.  Your goal, no matter the focus should always be excellence, and excellence is assured through one method in particular: discipline.

In short, discovering your primary passion(s) in life is an essential first step to satisfaction and success today and tomorrow.  Spend time exploring and experimenting.  If something catches your attention, pursue it with fervor.  Even if you find you don’t like a particular field or activity, that is valuable information for the future.  No matter what, continue to explore and never stop learning.

For some perspective on the process of finding personal happiness and satisfaction, watch this great lecture by Dan Gilbert of Harvard University: