Important Post-Thanksgiving Realizations

After taking a week off and returning home for the Thanksgiving holiday, I've come to a couple of important conclusions:

1. I miss Southern California immensely.
2. I need a car at Stanford.
3. This quarter, academically, is almost a lost cause but can be an important learning experience.

I've also realized that I'm still not sure what motivates me here at Stanford. I tell myself that I study hard and work hard for my parents, my sisters, and my future family, but I often find myself just sleeping this quarter. I know that a lot of it can be attributed to my busy extracurricular schedule and a severe lack of sleep, but I know many people can push past these obstacles and succeed.  There's also the monetary factor to consider: my parents are paying thousands of dollars for me to attend, and my slacking will prove to be costly; my parents don't deserve that.

[edited Monday, December 10, 2007 at 1:51 AM PST]

I know this sounds like quite the transition after I had asked such reflective questions, but I think I know now what motivates me and what drives me to succeed. Recently, I've found a passion for public service that drives my inquisitive, academic nature. Despite wanting to major in Management Science & Engineering initially, I have realized that my future lies in Urban Studies. I will still take courses that relate to technological and business innovation, simple because I am interested in these topics and they are important to be informed of, but a majority of my academic coursework will focus upon the problems inherent in U.S. cities, especially Los Angeles and San Francisco. I really feel that I want to make a difference in the world, and increasing my knowledge in this subject area will help me to improve my skills and knowledge as a future civil servant. I still will minor in MS&E because business is the root of my entrepreneurial interests, but I know now that true intellectual stimulation comes from the plight of the urban oppressed and downtrodden.