Credit Saturation

I just realized why Penn State sets their credit limit at 18. Anything more takes away your life.

This semester, I am taking 20.5 credits. Although it was in an attempt to graduate on time with a major and a minor, it may not have been worth it. In order to maintain my GPA, I have spent the most time on coursework this year than I have at any point in my undergraduate career. My social life and health have suffered. My grades are on the verge of suffering.

This brings to mind a question that has been bothering me lately: How much is too much for one's plate? It seems that every day I take on another task and more responsibilities. This either comes from my refusal to say "No" or the value I place upon getting that extra task accomplished.

Would this type of mindset have been possible 30 years ago? I'm sure it would, but my time lines would be much more drawn out. Virtually everyone raves at the advent of new technologies and how they will make our lives easier. I think this statement is complete bull shit. Sure, new technology is great at making certain aspect of our lives easier. E-mail gave us the ability to communicate with written communication at lightning speeds; however, it also gave us SPAM, quicker deadlines, and longer electronic task lists. The technology does not make our lives easier, it just allows us to get certain things done more quickly. This allows us to pile more things on our plate that we need to get done in a more immediate manner.

I think I have information gluttony.

B.K.