4.0 GPA, 0.0 Empathy

I used to help classmates with homework. Shared notes. Actually cared when someone was struggling. Then junior year hit and suddenly everyone was competition. Every curve meant someone else's failure was my success. I stopped answering study group texts. Started hoping others would bomb presentations. The worst part? I convinced myself this was necessary. Called it "focus." Called it "drive." I remember walking past my roommate crying over her failed midterm while I celebrated my A+. Didn't even pause. Just felt... nothing. Got into my dream program. Perfect GPA. Dean's list every semester. But somewhere between freshman orientation and graduation, I'd become someone I didn't recognize. Someone who saw classmates as obstacles instead of humans. Someone who forgot that kindness wasn't weakness—it was what made achievement actually matter. Turns out you can ace every test and still fail at being human. #AcademicBurnout #PerfectionistProblems #GPAAnxiety #Education