In the last couple of years, I have grown to really appreciate the Indian state of Goa. For some, it’s the sun, sand and surf that draws them to the region that hosts endless palm-fringed beaches. For others, it is the music, nightclubs and parties that keep them busy until sunrise. Certain people come for destination weddings, others for the cheap food and drinks available at any one of the multitudes of shacks that can be found just metres away from the ever-rolling waves.
For me, though, it is something else, something less tangible, more ethereal. Yes, I love the beaches, the food, the music scene (when I can stay awake after a day in the sun) and the abundance of beautiful coastal scenery but it is not these aspects of this once Portuguese territory that have captured me. It is the “everything is going to be okay” feeling that I get when I am there.
Or maybe, just maybe, it is the susegad attitude to life, which Goans hold dear to their hearts, that permeates how things are done and reminds us to “chill out” and keep the woes of the world a long way away?
In Goa, things slow down. Maybe it is because I ride a scooter and so the worldview seems different when travelling on a two-wheeler with limited horsepower. Maybe it’s because even if I wanted to travel at a faster pace, I am forced to keep my speed in check as there is a speed breaker, it seems, around every corner. Maybe it is the constant rhythm of the waves or the gentle rustling of the palms fronds in the sea breeze that relax the body and soul? Or maybe, just maybe, it is the susegad attitude to life, which Goans hold dear to their hearts, that permeates how things are done and reminds us to “chill out” and keep the woes of the world a long way away?
Same, Same but Different.
I am an Australian, and as such, my homeland too has an abundance of tree-lined beaches but instead of palms swaying in the breeze, it is casuarina trees that provide the much-needed respite from the sun. Like Goa, there are quaint little towns and villages dotted up and down the coast, some that attract a transient tourist crowd whilst others are home to long-time residents who make a living from agriculture, small businesses and public services.
Although so very similar in many respects, the difference is also ever-present. In the major coastal destinations down under, you watch the sunrise over the beaches and waves and the ever-climbing apartment blocks cast shadows on the beaches in the early afternoons whilst in Goa it is the sunsets that attract the masses for their beach walks, fitness kicks or for just having a sundowner in the setting sun. Goan scooters are replaced by modern diesel guzzling 4x4s and instead of colourful traditional wooden fishing boats, there are glistening fibreglass and steel-hulled speed craft and recreational fishing boats of all shapes and sizes that are the weekend fun for those with extra cash to spare. Although at both localities, there is a great demand for the tourist dollar, it is the pace of the chase that differs.
There is no denying that there is a great deal to enjoy in both places and even though this article might suggest that I have a bias towards Goa, I am not suggesting that one place is “better” than the other, they are just different and depending upon your needs, either place, the Indian west coast or the Land Down Under, can be a perfect choice. For me though, at this particular juncture in time, Goa “fits” me. It feels “right” and, for a multitude of reasons, it is where I belong… at least for now!
College Decisions Matter
Choosing the college to which to apply is not much different. There are so many options around the globe that, for a multitude of reasons, could be right and might meet your needs but when determining which to apply, it is about “fit” and “feeling” right. Attending college doesn’t mean that you are settling in that location forever, it is just a temporary staging post in your life’s journey but to be successful and to reach your potential, you need to be happy with where you will be spending three to five years of your life. To do this you need to determine where it is that you “belong”… at least for now.
Determining “fit”, however, is much more than where a college is placed on a ranking and also much more than using your school grade or overall percentage with an admissions statistic. Just because you may be the topper at your high school it does not mean that you will only “fit” at the most selective US college or the school at the top of a university ranking.
…to be successful and to reach your potential, you need to be happy with where you will be spending three to five years of your life. To do this you need to determine where it is that you “belong”… at least for now.
Although it may have bragging value, the most expensive, top-ranking, name-brand shirt is not always the most comfortable. The cut may not fit your body type, the material might make you sweat too much, the sleeves may be too tight and the neckline may just not “feel” right. The most expensive, top-ranking, name-brand car may not suit the roads in your area, the interior may make you feel claustrophobic and the back seat might not be big enough for your sporting equipment. The most expensive, top-ranking, name-brand shoes might be great for a catwalk but since they hurt your ankles, pinch your toes and make your legs ache they may not be the pair of shoes best suited to your body type or lifestyle.
Choosing a college is the same and so you need to determine if the college on your list is there because it truly “fits” or is it just for bragging rights? You have to determine what are you looking for, what is right for you, what fits your needs and aspirations and what “fits” your profile. You have to determine where you “belong” and steer clear of those nagging voices that encourage you to make decisions based on branding, popularity and prestige rather than fit, belonging and feeling right.
When you find your perfect match you will know in the end, that fitting right is more important than bragging rights!
No one needs to tell you where or where not to apply, that needs to be YOUR choice as you know yourself better than anyone else, so when exploring, use all the tools that you have at your disposal to determine your fit and don’t settle until you have done your utmost to find the place that fits you best.
Final Thoughts
So as I always say, start early and use the years from Grade 9, 10, and 11 to explore and determine what you are looking for and then in Grade 12 showcase that matches in your college applications. When you find your perfect match you will know in the end, that fitting right is more important than bragging rights!
Email: barry@dremac.co