Satisfaction not guaranteed

by Gloria Diaz
Editorial Director

Happiness – a word that is often taken as an understatement, but reality shows us that it is the key to success.

Think about it, if we do not find pleasure in what we do, then how are going to excel at it?

No matter what it is that you are doing at the time, you should always ask yourself if joining a club or if taking a certain class will make you happy.

In September I didn’t think to ask myself if what I was going to be doing for the next four months would make me happy.

Since then, I have tried to find ways that would bring me the joy I once had whenever I would sit at my computer to type my assignment.

After ignoring the facts that were right in front of me, I came to terms with what I struggled so hard to forget – my happiness.

At the same time I would try to find answers that would steer clear of the answer that everyone around me knew.

“Maybe it is because I am so busy this semester,” I would ponder.

After weeks of asking myself questions, it wasn’t until 2 a.m. on a Sunday when I was sitting at my computer typing up my assignment for Monday that made me realize what was there the whole time.

Thereafter the words to my questions changed.

They were no longer questions that lead to an excuse, instead they turned into questions that asked for an explanation to my discontent.

“I have been doing this for most of my college career, what has made me stop enjoying it?”

But there was no need for the complex questions because the answer was simple: I am tired.

Tired that what I do gives me little satisfaction and recognition, among other things.

The bottom line is that at the end of the day I would walk away not looking forward to the next day that I would have to be there.

I probably should have realized it when I would get into a bad mood whenever I walked into the room.

In all fairness, I did learn lessons in writing and leadership.

But I guess the time to move on has come and has hit me in the face, hard.

I know it might be too soon to say my goodbyes, after all we haven’t eaten turkey yet, but I figure this being my last column I should say them now before it is too late.

This experience and the staffs I have had the privilege to work with have provided me with some of the best times I have had since I have been in college.

I remember when it almost used to be like a party on Wednesday nights.

It was what I looked forward to every week.

It was a wonder we ever got any work done, but as long as it was fun, the work was easy to do.

Out of the many columns and articles I have written, I have yet to impart the piece of advice that has taken my whole life to grasp and the last two years to fully understand its meaning.

My advice to you is to remember to do things for yourself.

Hey, if it makes you happy, then do it, just remember that there might be repercussions that follow your decision.

Now that I have shared my 20-year-old wisdom, I can depart.

Gloria Diaz, a junior journalism major, is editorial director of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at btls60s@att.net.