Back to school

As I'm completing a semester at the University of Iceland, I have been unable to dedicate much time to writing in recent weeks. I have been focused on delivering presentations and final projects, but I expect to finish them by the end of April or the beginning of May.

After seven years, I am back studying at a university. It's fascinating to observe how my approach has evolved with age and experience and to notice the recurring challenges I face regardless of my level of expertise.

During my youth, I was fully occupied with excelling in my studies. I believed that performing to the best of my abilities was crucial and that I should finish each course diligently until I eventually graduated. Instead of doing things my way, I tried to understand the requirements and expectations set by my teachers for completing and submitting assignments.

On this occasion, I carefully considered the potential benefits of the courses I had selected and aimed to apply them to enhance the projects I was currently engaged in. I was clear on my priorities and allowed myself to align my work with my interests and creative pursuits.

Furthermore, I have observed an increase in my self-confidence compared to the past. Upon commencing school in January, I consciously decided to engage more actively in classes and discussions than I used to in my earlier years. Opting to position myself at the front of the classroom (instead of staying in the back and remaining quiet), I proactively contributed by offering comments and posing questions when suitable.

However, as the semester progressed, especially towards the end, when tasks accumulated, I started feeling more pressure and stress. Each day, I carefully reviewed my to-do list, organizing tasks and ensuring they were completed on time. The approaching deadline for the end of the semester added to my stress, making me feel more overwhelmed.

Nevertheless, one must tackle various tasks daily, whether at work or home. I began to realize that if I continued to fret over my responsibilities, I would endure perpetual stress, potentially harming my health in the long term.

Generally, I can accomplish all the tasks I need to do or have planned unless I over-plan. It is crucial to have faith that everything will turn out fine, avoid unnecessary worry over issues that are likely to be resolved, and not take on more than one can handle.

I am continuously becoming more aware of the impact stress and tension have on an individual, affecting them not just mentally and emotionally but also physically. It is impossible to sustain a life constantly under such pressure. True relaxation does not entail occasional visits to a massage or spa when finances permit but rather finding peace and tranquillity in day-to-day living.

Returning to my studies has taught me much, such as discovering my true interests. Over the last few years, I have often deliberated on which subjects to pursue. However, through my participation in this program and various courses in the past year, I now better understand what truly matters to me.

Something new for me in these matters is giving myself the freedom to keep challenging myself without feeling obligated to complete every endeavour I begin. While I could easily extend my enrollment in this program and earn the diploma, none of the available courses caught my interest. I now allow myself to explore new challenges through study, even if I don't necessarily finish them. This concept alone is quite liberating.