Column: If Leo can, we can

I know I’m supposed to use this space to talk about the Oscars.

And I did watch them. I can talk all day about some questionable standards of diversity that Chris Rock promoted while still doing a great job, and I can talk about how cool it is that “Mad Max: Fury Road” won so many awards. I can really say a lot about Sam Smith undeservedly winning over Lady Gaga for Original Song.

But it feels like a lie to talk about the Oscars because I was not really present while watching them.

Since at least the beginning of 2016, I have been struggling. Paying attention, going to class, finishing homework and more have become difficult.

I don’t like being at my apartment because it stresses me out to be at the place where I need to try and get things done. I had a panic attack yesterday. I am exhausted 24/7.

While watching the Oscars, I didn’t really care who won or who lost. That is probably because I saw almost nothing that was nominated, but it’s also because I did not have the energy to care.

What I did care about was that Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar.

After six Oscar nominations spanning more than two decades, he did it.

Lately, everyone I’ve talked to has felt similarly to me. My roommate has approximately four tests and three papers coming up; my assistant editor had four tests last week, three this week and a paper seemingly every other night; my friends are tired and stressed out.

Everyone at UNC is tired and stressed out.

But on Sunday night, Leonardo DiCaprio WON AN OSCAR. He overcame the memes, the years of disappointment, the decades of jokes and more to reach his goal.

College is only four years long — his journey for that golden statue took him 24. Leo went through 48 semesters for a trophy.

Watching him win gave me determination to finish this year as strong as possible.

I know acting and college aren’t the same. But Leo showed us it’s not the destination that’s important. He found something that mattered to him, and he did what had to happen to get it done. I respect that. I want that. I know I can do that.

And if I can do it — if Leo can do it — we all can.