When all's said and done, there's no truer statement than this: the key to happiness is lowered expectations. =Þ Seriously though, in terms of momentary, or circumstantial happiness, there's nothing better! Allow me to illustrate. In the past few weeks I have gotten back assignments in different classes, including East Asian History and European History. I got the same letter grade (A+!! *ahem* Pardon the bragging) on both assignments, but the one from European History definitely made me happier. Why? The reason is that whereas I expected at least an "A" in East Asian History, I hoped for at least a "B" in European history. Thus the reason for my happiness wasn't the grade itself, but the fact that it exceeded my lower expectations!
Actually, I have been exceedingly lucky so far. Usually lowered expectations are accompanied by less effort than would be put forth to achieve the higher expectations, but that hasn't really been an issue for me in terms of grades--yet. Guess that has something to do with the fact that I am both well suited to and interested in my areas of study. If I was in science or math, my work habits, which haven't really changed since highschool, would ensure a quick death for my marks, but being in English/East Asian Studies/History, i.e. humanities, means that procrastinating and pulling all-nighters is only bad for my physical, and not academic health.
So here's the other thing that I've learned: don't go into a field only for the sake of future job prospects. As sad as it is that when I say that I'm in English people immediately ask me if I'm planning on teaching (which I am, incidentally), as if there's no other job open to an English major, I *love* being in school and learning so much that going to class is rarely a chore for me. Really, when people advise you to choose courses, programs of study, etc. based on what you enjoy or find interesting, take their advice! Out of my three friends who decided to take engineering science at this university, the only one who's satisfied with the program is the one who actually enjoys what he's learning. As Polonius put it, "to thine self be true."
Plug of the Day: Going with the Hamlet theme, check out Hamlet: The Manga! It's a Slayers spin on the Shakespearean classic. ^_^
