The final exams will take place next week at FIU. Like all my students, I also have to take three preliminary exams for my Ph.D. program. Those will probably be the last written exams I take in my lifetime. As you can tell, I was super anxious, even though I always tell my own students that grades aren't important. Haha, very interesting!
To reduce my anxiety, I have been looking for experts’ advice. I found an online video that I thought was extremely convincing. Therefore, I think I must share with you the opinion presented through this video.
According to the video, the reason people experience anxiety is that they always try to achieve certainty. Every day we worry about making everything certain just because we are worried about uncertainty.
I was enlightened by this philosophy. I asked myself, what is the cause of my anxiety about the exams? I was worried because I was afraid of not being able to graduate from the Ph.D. program. And it is impossible for me to become a tenured research professor without a doctorate degree. Sounds like I'd prefer job security. However, was that the reason I wanted a Ph.D.? Of course not. As a matter of fact, I have never given much thought to job security. I choose to complete a Ph.D. to expand my knowledge. Why am I worried about the exams if I don't care about job security? Wouldn't they be great opportunities for me to demonstrate what I know? I felt a lot better after watching this video.
Indeed, uncertainty is one of the prime ingredients in fun, isn't it? Indeed, uncertainty is one of the prime ingredients in fun, isn't it? After all, we live for fun, not for anxieties.Learn to live with uncertainty, my friends. I believe this will not only alleviate anxiety but keep you focused on what you really want to accomplish.
Wishing you and myself the best of luck!
Best regards,
Fang
