Dear Chinzei Gakuin Students,

As you embark on the journey of obtaining a university degree, you are embarking on a marathon of intellectual growth and personal development. Much like the physical challenge of completing a full marathon, the pursuit of higher education requires endurance, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to reaching the finish line.

The Four-Year Marathon: A Test of Endurance

Completing a university degree is akin to running a marathon, with each year representing a leg of the race. Just as a marathon runner must pace themselves to conserve energy throughout the course, students must maintain their ambition and motivation over the four-year duration of their studies. However, much like the human body running out of blood sugar after two hours of running, many students find themselves running out of ambition in their sophomore year. It is during this critical juncture that maintaining focus and determination becomes paramount.

Mental Fatigue and the Three-Hour Mark

In the world of marathon running, mental fatigue typically sets in around the three-hour mark. Similarly, third-year students often find themselves facing a crisis of vision, questioning their goals and losing sight of the finish line. It is at this stage that focusing on the long-term goal of graduation can feel overwhelming and cause mental fatigue. Instead, students are encouraged to adopt a short-term mindset, focusing on each day, each assignment, and each deadline as manageable milestones on the path to success.

Keeping Sight of Short-Term Goals

Just as marathon runners focus on visible markers along the course, such as the next tree, hill, or corner, students are encouraged to set short-term goals to maintain motivation and momentum. By breaking down the journey into manageable increments, students can stay focused and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task ahead. Furthermore, much like the simple task of pumping one’s hands while running, students are advised to focus on the immediate task at hand, whether it be studying for an exam or completing a homework assignment, rather than getting bogged down by the enormity of the overall endeavor.

Conclusion: Embracing the Marathon Mentality

As you navigate the marathon of university education, remember that success lies not only in reaching the finish line but also in the journey itself. By cultivating endurance, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to your goals, you can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and emerge stronger and more determined than ever before. So, lace up your mental running shoes, focus on the next milestone, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.

With best wishes for a successful journey,

Chinzei Gakuin University, Department of International Studies