accentuate the positive

Being a shy contrarian is a raw deal, because it's hard to push back against groupthink without saying anything. Anyway I'd like to write something and get some tension out of system.

We've started down a dark spiral again, and it's frustrating to watch. I wish I had some leadership skills here. How do you head this shit off? People are talking about dropping out! Are these just the idle threats of the easily overwhelmed? I want to collectively grab hold of this class and shake them. We are better than this. Yeah there's a lot of work. Yeah not all of it is fun. Christ I just can not stand complainers. You're all university graduates! What crappy schools did you go to that you never felt overwhelmed with school work? This is no different. I feel like if this shit isn't for you, then yeah, just get out now. Obviously S has her failings. Could she be a better educator from a pedagogical standpoint? Yes! Does it really matter though? This is college. You aren't here to get a high GPA. You're here to gain the professional skills, experience and contacts necessary to break into this dumb industry. If you feel like you aren't getting those from this program, I don't know what to say! I feel bad for you son, but I got 99 problems too.

But look, S is a resource. You don't have to be her friend, but you owe her some measure of respect. We've met enough people who will basically bend over backwards for this woman that it seems obvious to me how important it is to cultivate a good relationship with her. She will fight for you. People seem to interpret her actions as uncaring or out of touch, but I don't know. This woman expects the world from us, but she's right to do so. She believes we can conquer the world, and who are we to say we can't? I want to be challenged! I've spent enough time not being challenged to appreciate how rare it is.

I realise "nut up" isn't really super helpful advice, but christ would it kill you all to just nut up for a bit? The class last year was getting ready to throw their symposium this time last year. Things could be worse. Appreciate the opportunities you have and the doors that are being opened. Accentuate the fucking positive.

ugh.