We are well past the halfway mark for the fall semester, and many students may be feeling fatigued, burned-out or just plain ready to give up. To many, giving up always remains a viable option, but to those who strive for success, it never is.
Texas Tech defeated the University of Texas in a thrilling match – two undefeated, ranked football teams facing off in a very important game. Tech hadn’t won against UT since 2002, but it was crucial that they did so this year. UT, a perennial football juggernaut, was ranked No. 1 going into the game. Though this wasn’t a David versus Goliath story, the odds were stacked in the Longhorns’ favor.
Though Tech held a considerable lead in the beginning, after a second half surge UT showed why they were ranked No. 1. "Were" being the operative term.
The Red Raiders stuck to their guns and turned the game back around to defeat the Longhorns. With eight seconds left, Tech’s quarterback threw a risky pass dangerously close to the sideline, which produced the winning touchdown.
The players for Texas Tech could have come into the game after halftime and just given considerably less than their all – they were winning by 16 points then. But one can never rest on one’s laurels, points or reputation. Nor can one expect to gain laurels, points or reputation by never trying in the first place.
Unranked Georgia Tech won against No. 15 ranked Florida State this weekend. Again, the "better" team faced a deficit coming into the third quarter and fought towards a comeback. Again, the "lesser" of the two teams came out on top, as FSU fumbled the ball near the end zone to ruin their chances of scoring the game-winning touchdown.
The Yellow Jackets faced tough odds at the beginning, but when it came down to the wire in the last minute of the game, they stood eye-to-eye with their opponents, clashed at the line and emerged the victors.
This is where most of us stand here at UH – sometimes overwhelmed by homework, jobs and real life in it its infinite forms. To continue to press on, sore, exhausted and, at times, disheartened, can often feel impossible.
It’s not. Millions do it every day: the Yellow Jackets, the Red Raiders, the soldiers overseas, your classmates.
We are here, in the third quarter, and every day counts. Though your mind may be frazzled, your legs weak and shaky and your patience tested beyond its limits, don’t give up. The goal line is closer than you think.
