On Future Anxieties

As of this new phase, I have entered my final year of undergraduate studies. Under these circumstances, I am inevitably gripped by a sense of urgency: Which courses should I take? How will my internship proceed? Will I be able to find an advisor for my one-on-one meeting? At which private clinic can I complete my internship? These and many other questions keep swirling through my mind.

Visual Representing Future Anxiety (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

Of course, there is also what comes after graduation: Will I be able to find a job? Will I be able to practice in a place I love? Will I pursue graduate studies?

I know that most of my peers share similar anxieties and are struggling to cope with them. Yet, I find reasonable levels of future anxiety to be healthy. Why?

Because stress and anxiety that motivate action and drive individuals toward their goals are an inherent part of being human. I believe what distinguishes us from other creatures is our willpower—the persistent effort to pursue what is true and good for ourselves. I have noticed that since I began asking myself these questions, I find myself actively trying to do something, and I even enjoy doing it. I once again feel that my life has purpose. But as I mentioned, these anxieties must remain moderate.

They must not lead to hopelessness, depressive feelings, or passivity. Because anxieties that paralyze us are like chains shackling us during the most beautiful years of our lives. Like everything in life, when our concerns about the future are kept at a moderate level, we can channel them into a beautiful and meaningful journey.