OP-ED: How I Always Find Time in My Busy Schedule to Cry in Front of My TA

Some people treat being busy like a competition. But I refuse to think like that. Despite being so busy with my 6.5 credits, 4 club commitments, and more papers than you probably have, I always find time in my packed schedule to shed some tears. 

It didn’t come easy. I struggled just like you and your 4.5 credit-schedule that includes Wharton classes. At the beginning of the year, I found myself without enough time in the day to do everything I wanted to. Then, I discovered how to efficiently plan my time so that every Tuesday, I have a 30-minute study break scheduled, every Friday I can get dinner with Stacy, and every Wednesday from 4-5pm I can cry during my TA’s office hours.   

When I first started crying in front of my TA, I thought, “how embarrassing.” But then, once it became a habit, I quickly switched my thought process. Now, I see it as an important part of my day. I’ll admit, some days I fully skip the crying session. It happens, we all get off track sometimes. But, I could always count on my professor to get me back on track. He would hand me a midterm and the crying would recommence! 

I had to prioritize my responsibilities in order to fit it into my schedule. Some days I skipped lunch dates to cry. Other days, I had to fit in the water works at another location on campus. But, whether it was alone in a Huntsman GSR or with my TA while he explained electron cloud orbitals to me, I always made sure it happened. 

I know that once you let the tears go, you won’t stop. So, go ahead and add it to your schedule and make sure to get it done. There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment you get when you check off everything on your to-do list.