Editorial: Don’t trade happiness for success

In a recent column in The Chronicle of Higher Education, professor William Pannapacker, with tongue in cheek, compared the culture of humanities professors to that of the penitent religious. He argues that the low level of funding for humanities, among other ills, has created a culture in which fun or levity are signs of weakness. According to him, the reigning attitude in academia is that only suffering can bring success.

It’s difficult for us to comment on the academic culture among professors here at Pitt, but we think that some of Pannapacker’s beliefs about the negativity of university culture also apply to students. While anyone who has ever attended a college party cannot reasonably argue that student culture is anti-fun — like he argues professorial culture is — we think that several factors, like competitiveness and narrow-minded focus on success, create an unfortunate martyrdom effect on campus.

Something that we see as negatively affecting students at Pitt — and, we imagine, at most college campuses — is the collective use of one-upmanship in interaction. “I have an exam and a paper due this week. I’m so stressed,” one undergrad might complain to another, who might respond, “Oh, that sucks. My week is rough too. I have two exams, a group project and a paper due, all before Thursday!” The moans and sighs exchanged over who gets less sleep or who consumes more energy drinks is similar.

While these half-commiserating, half-competitive exchanges are bound to happen sometimes, we think that their perpetuation reinforces an almost-medieval ideology of misery bringing success. It’s both unnecessary and destructive for the student body to sacrifice happiness and health on the altar of being — or acting — studious or hardworking. While we don’t doubt students’ good intentions in doing whatever it takes to succeed, we seriously doubt the necessity of these practices.

It’s important for Pitt students to refocus. We think that students should examine their own feelings about academics and work ethic. If your image of the way to succeed in college features chronic late nights and sleep deprivation, constant studying and undue stress, then you might benefit from speaking to a supportive professor, helpful friend or academic advisor. Those who engage frequently in one-upmanship conversations about their work — which includes practically all students at one point — might consider the negative effects this could have on others.

All students could benefit by learning to balance, which means effective planning, time management, efficient studying and relaxing. Take advantage of the University Counseling Center Stress Free Zone in the lower level of the William Pitt Union. Don’t leave all of the fun for the weekends or for “when you have time.” Schedule breaks and time for fun into your schedule; it’s important to recharge and even pursue things that can’t be put on your resumé.

Unfortunately, the attitude that considers sacrificing happiness as the only route to success seems to be embedded at all levels of academic culture. Students and faculty can work together to recognize and change these tendencies.