For some reason, unbeknownst to me, my friends, my dog and every other person who has come into contact with me, I thought it would be a great idea to do a linguistics sub-major.

Linguistics, for those of you who are unaware, isn’t about studying accents and talking about how cool words are. That’s what I thought it was. Linguistics is actually the science behind language – science being the key word here.

Because I hate science! So much! I hate data! I hate numbers and I hate facts. Give me a well written story any day over a factual one. As a result, my four linguistics subjects were extremely difficult. But not as difficult as Second Language Acquisition – a core unit I had to begrudgingly take to graduate.

#1 Skipping Doesn’t Make It Easier

Skipping class is the ultimate form of instant gratification. It feels great at the time but creates so many issues later down the track. You’re more confused, you’re behind, you’ve used up one of your absents so you don’t have the option to get sick.

I always go for the instant gratification option and it fucks me up every single time. Never skip class unless you really, really have to, especially for a class you hate. It’s only gonna make you fall behind more.

#2 Neither Does Whinging About It

Oh god, you should have heard how much I whined about this course. Everyone I came into contact with got an ear full. Did it make it easier? No. Did it make me feel better about it? Hell no. Telling yourself the same story over and over again will make you believe it and I believed this particular unit was attacking my will to live.

Lol, dramatic af.

#3 The Tutor Wants To Help So Give Them The Opportunity To

My tutor was a very lovely person and I genuinely think he would have taken the time to help me if I had asked. But I didn’t. I slumped in and slumped out, asking no questions and cursing the ground he walked on for teaching the goddamn course in the first place.

Ask for clarity on stuff, see if there’s extra reading that’ll help you make sense of it all and tell them that you’re struggling.

#4 Snap Judgements Ruin Everything

From the very first tute with data and graphs and jargon, I knew it wasn’t my thing. My teeth grinded in frustration because it was all going over my head and I absolutely couldn’t grasp it. So I gave up within a few minutes.

Looking back on it now, I realise I spent $700 to be a brat about a course. I could have learned something new and challenged myself but instead, I chucked a tanty. Don’t be me.

#5 Uni Isn’t Supposed To Be A Wild, Fun Ride All The Time

Up until this course (and the three other linguistic courses I endured), I had enjoyed every single one of my units. I was studying a Bachelor of Arts in English so it was like a glorified book club.

This unit made me realise that uni, like your career and anything else that requires a bit of effort, isn’t always breezy and fun. In fact, it’s the hardest bits that teach you the most. Sorry for the sappiness but it’s true.

Keep on keepin’ on in that core unit you hate.

(Lead image: November Criminals/Black Bicycle Entertainment)