To be or not to be? That is the question.
In his infamous Shakespearean soliloquy, Hamlet touches on a range of topics, including the pros and cons of suicide and the potential murder he must carry out. His statement ultimately boils down to a seemingly rigid belief in fate.
Hamlet realizes he doesn’t know how everything is going to work out. He acknowledges that destiny will decide his course. As I read Act 3, Scene 1 of “Hamlet” for English Literature the other night, I realized that the protagonist’s belief in fate was hugely applicable to my senior year.
As early decision deadlines swooped down upon my class, I was struck by a mass sense of chaos. Friends fretted that their first quarter grades would be the deciding factor in their acceptance to an Ivy. I found others anxious about their performances on standardized tests. Some suffered from “identity crises,” struggling between multiple personal essays to determine which would represent them in the most “unique” and complimentary light.
As the tornado of doubt and worry swept through the senior class, I decided to remain calm. With Hamlet’s soliloquy in mind, I decided that whatever’s meant to be will happen. Que sera, sera.
I can’t change my grades from past years. They are set in stone, regardless of whether or not I’m entirely satisfied with my performance. Testing? It’s over with. To which school I applied ED? There’s no second-guessing myself now.
Lamenting my high school career isn’t worth the ulcer doing so will give me. I am what I am. If my college of choice accepts me, great. If it doesn’t, I suppose it just wasn’t meant to work out. After all, a school that doesn’t want me probably wouldn’t be a good fit.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect. There have been times over the past few months when I, like any other senior, have been swept up in the emotional frenzy of the college process. In this competitive environment, it is pretty hard not to be.
That being said, I’m simply asking that seniors and some juniors take a deep breath. After all, our school has been preparing us to apply to college since day one. Our deans have one job: guide us in the right direction and lead us to the schools that will fit us best. They’re damn good at what they do. We’re well-prepared and there’s no going back. So let’s relax. Everything will work out.
