The Masochist's Institute of Technologyanecdotes of an ambitious MIT student

今天今天星閃閃
(Today, today, the stars sparkle)
剩下我北風中漆黑中帶著淚
(Leaving me in the frigid north wind, in the dark, with my tears.)
– “夢伴”, by 梅艷芳 (Anita Mui)

First off, before I begin the actual entry, I’d like to say that Anita Mui is awesome, and no one can do her songs justice by just reading the lyrics, so you should listen to it as well while you read! (Excuse the very 80′s music video..)

So this song is actually a breakup song (leave it to the 80′s to make a pop song out of a depressing story), but instead of talking about sorrow and depression, it takes a rather realistic and simplistic approach. It’s not inspiring or defiant, per se, but it is very resolute and certain. And that’s definitely the feeling that characterizes the beginning of the new semester for me.

Most of my classes will not be that difficult if I can keep up with the coursework, I believe. In addition, I have at least a few contacts in each of my classes, so we can compare p-set answers and study together for tests. The professors are excellent, the material is interesting, and my entire day is actually pretty evenly distributed between classes, p-setting, rest/relaxation time, and extracurriculars.

Can it be that I’ve finally found that elusive thing called “balance” that everyone holds in such high esteem? I believe I have. When I sit here at my desk (which has been newly cleaned and reorganized), I actually feel a compelling desire to work and get things done. This week I have been very good about completing most of my assignments on time (though I’ve fallen a little behind on the Finance Theory readings), and I plan to start the first 18.06 problem set as soon as I can.

Finally, I think I can successfully say goodbye to the foolish child that I used to be, and – though it may be different and difficult at times, I definitely want to be someone who is more resolute, more motivated, and ultimately more successful. Here’s to an amazing semester…!