In the stern of a ship

(Mixed Feelings on) Saying Yes

MichelleHe

Yes. A simple, one syllable word that defined my entire Emory experience.

I feel the gravity of the word “yes” in nearly all aspects of my college experience, because it holds everything from taking last-minute trips to investigating unexplored academic disciplines within its orbit. “Yes” is more than one decision or action. “Yes” symbolizes my open and curiosity-driven approach to college.

Over the past four years, we have all been asked an impossibly large number of questions, each with the distinct possibility of shaping our time at Emory.

As an underclassman, I answered each opportunity with a resounding “yes” in hopes of gaining perspective and experience. At a time when everything seemed so new and foreign, I hoped that this mentality would provide me with clarity and selfdiscovery. I wanted to grow deeply and rapidly, and thought the best way to do it was by saying “yes” to every experience Emory had to offer.

Do you want to check out the new exhibit at the Carlos museum? Yes.

Are you interested in getting involved with Residence Life? Yes!

Should we form a group to compete in HackATL? Yes?!

S a y i n g yes – with

excitement or even trepidation – to each of these questions has undoubtedly created some of my richest college memories. It has sparked my love for contemporary art, introduced me to a new community on campus and instilled in me a passion for entrepreneurship. Simply put, saying yes has shaped my college experience for the better.

However, when I take a step back, I realize that saying yes has also taken a toll on my four years here. When my workload multiplied after sophomore year, I found it immensely difficult to set boundaries to prioritize commitments I valued most. Terrified by the idea of disappointing others and myself, I continued to say yes to new roles and undertakings because I was too afraid to say no.

I failed to realize that each yes I uttered also resulted in an equal and opposite no.

By saying yes to one thing, I would

inevitably have to say no to another. No to the extra hour in stacks, no to eight hours of sleep and no to a serendipitous Friday night hangout. While I do not regret my focus on discovery and exploration throughout college, I now realize the power and value in finding balance.

Today, this delicate trade-off is one I think about carefully. As we enter this new and uncertain chapter of our lives after graduation – much like the one we entered four years ago – I will be saying yes only to my priorities. Yes to a new job, yes to a new city and yes to all my family and friends who want to visit me (well… maybe!). But most importantly, I will be saying yes to myself.

“Saying yes – with excitement or even trepidation – to each of these questions has undoubtedly created some of my richest college memories.”

Michelle He is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She served as President of Goizueta BBA Council and Co-President of Emory Entrepreneurship & Venture Management (EEVM). After graduation, she will be working in investment banking at Centerview Partners in New York City.