Summary

The website content is a reflective piece on the multifaceted nature of hard work and support necessary to earn a degree.

Abstract

The poem emphasizes that earning a degree is not just about working hard, but also working smart, and being adaptable to various work styles. It acknowledges the importance of collaboration with peers, mentors, and others who provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective throughout the academic journey. The poem also touches on the necessity of balancing personal well-being with academic pursuits, highlighting the need for self-care and the value of different environments for different stages of work and reflection. Ultimately, it conveys that the journey towards obtaining a degree is a personal one, filled with challenges and growth, and that the work done is entirely one's own, leading to a sense of ownership and accomplishment.

Opinions

The author believes that perseverance is key in overcoming the inevitable challenges faced while pursuing a degree.
Success in academics is seen as a collective effort, involving a network of supportive individuals.
The poem suggests that it's important to recognize when to push through tough times and when to take breaks or even give up on certain approaches that aren't working.
Emotional support, from people who may not understand the work but still provide valuable insights, is deemed essential.
The author values the role of physical spaces and environments that cater to different aspects of the academic process, from focused study to relaxation and reflection.
There is an emphasis on the personal nature of the academic journey, encouraging individuals to forge their own path and not to strive for perfection but for completion and understanding of their purpose.

You’ll have to work…

A poem about how to get your degree

You have to work hard

You have to work smart

You have to work with

You have to work around

The work you do is all of it

The studying, the daydreaming,

The late nights, & ‘I’m taking a break’s

The troubleshooting, & dead ends

The work is tough

But you won’t lose if you keep going

Faster when times are good

And slower when the work disappoints

You’ll have to work with people

And things, in places

It’s impossible alone and

You’ll be better to learn that soon

With People

You’ll need peers

and mentors

And sponsors

and cheerleaders

You’ll need people to say, “maybe try this?”

And people to tell you “you’re doing great!”

People to tell you, “it’s ok to give up…”

And people to say, “I don’t know either"

People who have no idea what your work is

who give you the best ideas of what your work is.

People who’ve been with you since the beginning

to remind you how far you’ve come from where you began.

People who’ve just hopped in near the end

to help push you over the edge.

And people who leave before you,

whose footsteps serve as possible routes to your common goal

And things

You’ll need shoulders to cry on

And notebooks to put your ideas in

And calendars to make inaccurate plans

And cozy coffeeshops for hardcore studying

You’ll need lots of books

for business and pleasure

Coffee or Tea

and good food

In places

You’ll need places to be happy

Places to cry or yell

You’ll need dark places for migraines and presentations

You’ll need light places to daydream and think

You’ll need places to find yourself

In therapists' offices, or courses that challenge you.

You need places to restore yourself

In nature or wherever you call home.

This degree is yours

This time is yours

This journey is yours

The work is yours

All you do is fully yours

Watch others, but pave your path.

Go deeper in the work always

But, never lose sight of why

Do the work

Get it done

Not perfectly

Just done