Three words that describe SMU graduates are stereotyped, social, and successful. One of the unique things that I have noticed in my time here at SMU is how achievement-oriented students can be.

Students are always trying to prove themselves to someone. For example, many students will join student organizations because they have been told that they need some leadership skills on their resume.

Now hear me out– I’m not saying getting involved on campus is a bad thing. But this mentality also applies in the social realm. In bars, clubs, and even the apartment scenes, students flock to alcoholic games like beer pong. Women are constantly trying to look thinner than the woman next to them. What is it about our nature that makes us so competitive?

I’m not a psychologist, but I do know that humans have an inherent notion of fulfillment. We all came to college to pursue an education. These four years will help some develop into better scholars and leaders. For others, coming to SMU might mean the opportunity to play professional sports some day.

Ancient Greek philosophers best epitomized this excellence with the word “arête.” This term is an interesting one. In its earliest form, arête described the excellence of a building, a wagon, or a man.

Over time, various philosophers constructed moral philosophies and ways of thinking that incorporated the concept of arête. Young boys were trained in arête in three specific areas: physical prowess, mental ability, including rhetoric and sciences, and spiritual discipline, which included music and virtue.

So how does this apply today? While arête might be translated as virtue or excellence, a modern understanding of arête reveals that this word really means being the best that you can be. To become arête in something is to fulfill your potential there.

What is interesting about this concept is the idea that everything has its own arête. For example, a horse’s full potential is very different from a bull’s. Likewise, every human being has his or her own arête. If you can follow this train of thought, then you must realize that your potential can only be judged against yourself.

This idea is so contrary to the way students live their lives here. We are always trying to compete against the other person. We can see this happening all across campus: a fraternity is trying to beat out another team in intramurals, or someone is trying to make a better resume than their classmate. In church, how often do you clap your hands to a worship hymn simply because everyone else is doing it?

What happened to the idea that my mother drilled into my head as a kid – don’t worry about anyone else; focus on doing your very best? Does anyone else find it difficult not to focus on other people?

One of the great fears of college students is not being accepted. We worry so much that we might not get into the business or advertising school, that we might not get into the sorority or fraternity that we wanted, or that we might end up four years later with very few friends. Is this not why so many of us get involved on campus, join community-based organizations, or even graduate in less than four years simply to get out and get a job?

Even in my own personal life, I find myself struggling with this idea of peer pressure. I know that since coming to SMU, I have become so much more self-conscious. That’s not a bad thing, unless you become so wrapped up in how others perceive you that you start losing yourself.

Now, we don’t live in ancient Greece. But we are all part of a unique place: college. College is special because even though you feel like you have a lot of freedom of choice, there are dozens of people who are watching out for you.

Your parents are still a big part of your life. Your professors are, too. In many ways, college should be a very safe environment. You should feel safe to explore yourself and find out who you are and what your potential might be.

Imagine how much more productive our community would become if students pushed themselves to fulfill their own potential in the classroom, the gym, and elsewhere? What kind of students would SMU graduate?

Students would stop settling for lower grades in their classes. They would stop trying to compare their body weight to someone else’s standards. We might even foster an environment that is so conducive to the “life of the mind” that students actually start critically thinking in all areas of their life rather than just on their required Shakespeare reading.

Why is this idea even worth thinking about? We live in a culture that is dying. Look at how much businesses crave ethical decision makers. Look at how much our economy is suffering because of the poor decisions of a few.

How many of us live balanced lifestyles that include a proper balance of education, cultural awareness, nutrition, exercise, and meditation? How many of us are living out our God-given potential?

Daniel Liu is a graduate engineering management student. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].