Story by Meridian Pearson, Opinion Editor

In my first year of college, I was given the wise advice that it just didn’t matter. Regardless of which major I chose, or how I performed in my classes, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I was here.

Now, bear with me. I’m sure a few of you are balking at that, and I don’t blame you. When I first heard it, coming from a background of extreme perfectionism, I was indignant. How in the world would I make it through college if nothing mattered? If I didn’t care? But this advice isn’t about not caring. In fact, caring is what makes this advice so useful. All you have to do is care that you’re here, in college, pursuing something: a degree, a sport, a career, something.

For many, college is a pit-stop; a place you want or need to go, but not the final destination. I was so focused on the fact that I needed to go, I forgot what I was preparing for. But I need to survive through college to arrive there. I can’t spend all of my energy anxiety-ridden about getting a 4.0, or making somebody else proud. I should focus on preparation and learning what I need to learn to get where I’m going. What should it matter if I get a B or C, as long as I’m learning the material? Getting an A would be great, but the grade is not the goal.

I don’t need to be the perfect test-taker to arrive at my future career, I need the knowledge and experience required to excel wherever I choose to go. And enjoying that experience is just as important. I’m not going to pretend that this advice magically rid me of my perfectionism, but it was certainly a start.

So my advice to you is: Care. Care about why you’re here. Nothing else matters.