On Black Holes and Surviving the Term

During the two-part radio series on black holes for the BBC, one member of the audience asked Stephen Hawking about his life. He was curious after watching "The Theory of Everything", which was a big-screen adaptation of his life. Lucy, his daughter, thought it was his stubbornness that kept him going. But the theoretical physicist cited his sense of humor.

“When I turned 21, my expectations were reduced to zero,” he said. “It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life may seem, because you can lose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and life in general.”

Hawking also pointed out his work, where his disability wasn't a factor at all. The Oxford native came when theoretical physics was at an exciting time. Anyone who knows science fiction is certain of what a black hole is all about. One can't resist its pull. No one can tell what lies in the darkness. (If you've seen "Interstellar", then one must know that a wormhole is still a theory.) If you happen to be a first-year student who is about to plunge into the vortex of hopelessness, then you can learn a great deal from Hawking. It doesn't mean reading the transcript of his Reith lecture. (It can provide a wealth of information for your succeeding papers, though.) Try to look at the bright side. Keep in mind of the following:

If the coursework is getting difficult, then take a break. It's fine if you're frustrated, such that your housemates would hear your moaning at night. You can assure them that you don't need to attend a lecture on anger management, but pulling a leg can help you get through the day. Getting angry won't ease the pressure. And it might be too cold to take a walk. Lie down, listen to music, read a book. (It must not be part of your reading list.) You'll feel better.

You must keep going. Hawking is an inspiration to everyone, as a motor neuron disease can discourage anyone. But he would beat the odds. This will make you ashamed, but there's no need to be apologetic about your lack of positive attitude. You're young, so mistakes can be charged to experience. (The secretary of the English Department won't hear any of it, as you miss the deadline on a few occasions.) If you stumble, then don't make a fuss of it. You still have a long way to go.

You can lean on. You need a support system, which is not hard to find in the university. Your tutor will lend you an ear, and don't take it hard if you don't get a sympathetic response. (Remember that experience is the best teacher, and members of the faculty have lots of it.) You must have a good friend or two, but better not voice your concerns while drinking. (It might be worse if you pass out.) And your family is a call away. But it might not be a good idea to ask them about your next holiday.