Reference Frames

Reference Frames Even in classical mechanics, physics tells us about relativity, where things as seemingly objective as motion or time are influenced by how one observes ones surroundings. Even if youre circling the globe in a plane 20,000 feet in the air, you feel deceptively little motion; youd only know it by looking out the window. As long as youre sitting, youre stationary with respect to the plane. But it goes without saying that, relative to some fixed point on Earth, youre all moving and fast. Its all about the frame of reference that you use. When studying relative motion, you learn that any reference frame, with the right calculations and considerations, can get you the right answer. However, some definitely help more than others. If your work is getting frustrating, sometimes all you have to do is shift your point of view, and things will feel much better even easier than before. With that in mind, I invite you to investigate where your frame of reference lies. No, put away the calculators and stop drawing free body diagrams; this is an exercise in introspection. No matter whether you were accepted, wait-listed, not admitted, or even if youve yet to apply, this will help you out. Go back in time to your earliest memory. Set a reference frame there for now. What do you see? In one of my earliest memories, Im climbing the steps to where I used to live and heading to the front door, but before Im halfway there, I trip and skid my knee against the stairways coarse corners. (Yeah, my earliest memories involve an embarrassing, toddler-y lack of coordination. Moving on.) Now, go forward in time a little. As you go, collect your experiences, both positive and negative, and see what was constructive. Relive your memories, and see if you can tie your dreams to them. Do that, and then repeat that step. Do this a lot. As you go, notice how those dreams morphed; notice how your situation changed. Remember times in which you ran into adversity, and then notice the success you ran into thereafter. Now, set one here, at this moment in time. Do you know how hard youve worked up until now? Do you know what youve seen, what you did, how far youve come, and how much youve grown as a result? If you were admitted, you might be thinking, Yes, and it paid off. If you werent, you might respond, Well, what good was it for? If youre on the waitlist, you might not even know. Im here to challenge all three of those positions. Being accepted, rejected, or waitlisted isnt the end of anything but a phase, which will ultimately pale in comparison to what awaits. Its not a time to grow complacent after being admitted somewhere, or to become disconsolate if you didnt. Its a time to speculate on what youll do next, and to continue dreaming big when you do. Just remember: every one of you worked hard, and you were all exceptional at what you loved to do. Thats why you applied here, why you were seriously considered. Youve touched the hearts and souls of more than one admissions officer here at MIT. If you can do that to just a handful of people, imagine what you can do for the world. Youd know this much better than what I would. Your lives embody persistence, resilience, curiosity, boldness, and hard work. Youve faced moments of uncertainty, and yet youve found great opportunities in them. Youve met challenges, setbacks, and resistance, and in spite of that, youve still achieved in many ways. Thats why I suggested setting those reference frames: so that youll have them to remember the strength and worth of your diligence. And itll show you that theres still so much to be done. That drive to achieve and make the most of any situation will always remain inside of all of you. Just ask your family, your friends, your peers, your mentors, your coaches, everyone who has helped you come this far. Theyre all rooting for you, and believe it or not, I am, too. So seize the future. Let this be the day where you set out to prove all of us right.