On January 11th, 2020 I attended the IA event: Let’s Taco About Failure in the Sky Lounge, which met the academic requirement. While the International Affairs group is made up of students eager to improve the world around them and accomplish great things, discussing struggles and personal ways that college proves difficult allowed for a conversation that reminded us to still maintain focus upon ourselves and our wellbeing. In just about every English-centric class that I’ve taken, one of the core ideas discussed is that when facing the obstacle of worldly change, the greatest way to ensure success is to work your way outwards. The concept is oftentimes labeled “ikigai,” which describes the ways in which the skills and beliefs that we contain must be brought out and pursued in such a way to influence the world in a way that is needed. I believe that this idea of focusing on self is very important among our scholars’ group going forward, as those many are interested in fields of public service. The overwhelming draw that students on campus feel towards this field is exciting and quite admirable, but it’s also important to recognize the burden that can come with that field, making self-care and awareness the ultimate tool in maintaining functionality within a role. After discussing what it is that we work to overcome and improve in our lives as students, I’m left wondering… how can we influence the rest of this community and campus as a whole to explore and cater to their needs in order to make their personal and professional growth healthier and more enjoyable?