Editorial | "Bethel Busy": At what cost?
As seen in volume 113, issue 12 of The Collegian
In my first year at Bethel, I promised myself that no matter what, I would put my well-being first and not become a part of the mythic “Bethel Busy.” I never understood how someone can have so many different titles and activities on campus. This was until I realized how hard it is to say one simple word – no.
Students at Bethel are expected to be scholars, athletes, performers, artists, club leaders, and the list goes on. One of my favorite things about our school is that everyone is so involved. However, when you take a closer look into several students' calendars, you begin to understand that “Bethel Busy” isn't just a phrase, it is taking over as a lifestyle –one that often trades connection and presence for an overcommitment and burnout.
Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Yes, I know, let me apologize for this overused and cliche graduation quote, but stick with me. We’re so busy being everywhere on campus, that we're not really anywhere. We are constantly going to different events, but do we even acknowledge that our social battery is running on 4% while on our way to earn the eighth convo credit of the semester?
Staying “Bethel Busy” comes with a strange pressure to do it all, and to do it well. There is this unspoken expectation that if you're not doing absolutely everything that you can, you're not doing enough. We say yes because we don't want to disappoint the people around us. But by trying to be involved in everything, we end up being fully present in nothing.
Although the busyness may feel like a constant tug on students. I tend to bring with me an appreciation for it all. Bethel Busy doesn't come from a bad place. It's not like the administrators all got together and said “let's make being at college a living hell for our students!” The fact that we are all so busy actually gives hope in a way. All of the students packing their schedules shows how much care and devotion goes into making this school as good as it can be. People in our community want to make a difference, contribute to something bigger than themselves, and say “yes” to opportunities that might not come again. All of these events and activities can foster a better community and may even bring upon lifelong friendships. But, even good things can become too much when we don't press our pause button, and truly enjoy what's going on.
To anyone who feels like they need to slow down on their own “Bethel Busy,” remember that just because you are able to say yes, doesn't mean you should.