FML? Think again

By Tatiana Sanchez

Today's first entry on the popular FMyLife.com Web site reads: "Today,I met my new college roommate. He then introduced me to his imaginary friend. FML."

Twitter wasn't the only online craze that blew up in 2009 -- it was also the year that "FML" became as common as hearing the word "hella" or "like" around campus. It was also the year that my entire life seemingly became an FML.

When FMyLife.com first surged, my best friend and I became obsessed. We would check the site as often as we would check our Facebook accounts.

We'd stifle our laughter in the library as we read of people's most recent misfortunes, not only because it was a great distraction from homework but also because it was extremely -- almost painfully -- funny.

Eventually we got bored with the site and found other distractions to wither away our time, but the phrase "FML" became a part of our vocabulary and a part of our daily conversations.

Nowadays I find myself muttering "FML" under my breath when I accidentally spill a drink on myself, or when I realize I drunk dialed an old fling after getting home from The Hut the night before. Text messages between my best friend and I almost always include an "FML" or a "FOL" -- that's "F" our lives. A text message to her may go something like, "I just tripped in front of a super hot guy, FML."

I always joke and say that my entire life is one giant FML moment but what, in reality, is so terrible about my life? I realize that, as a young woman who is on the verge of graduating from a prestigious private university, I am extremely privileged and extremely lucky.

I was blessed to have parents who sacrificed everything so that their children could receive the best education possible. I have more than enough clothing, food to eat everyday, books to read from, shoes to walk in, friends and family to support all of my endeavors and my passions and, most importantly, I have my health.

And while I don't mean to preach or drag on about what should be valued in life, I do wish for people to realize that as the saying goes, things could be so much worse.

As we complain about the trivial and insignificant occurrences of everyday college life at Santa Clara, millions of Haitians suffer from the devastating aftermath of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the capital city Port au Prince on Jan. 12.

According to CNN, the death toll in Haiti has exceeded 100,000 and may possibly reach 200,000. Days after the earthquake, victims who have survived without food or water continue to be pulled out of the rubble.

As victims struggle to stay alive, the Department of Homeland Security is working with the Haitian government to expedite 200 cases of American couples wishing to adopt Haitian children.

In light of such a devastating catastrophe, I can't help but think that my FML moments are unimportant and minute; I have everything I need and more.

My life is not only good, it's great. I am lucky to wake up in a bed everyday, to live in a country that was built on the principles of freedom and justice for all.

I realize now that while some of my daily occurrences may be reason to lash out in anger, they pale in comparison to the harsh reality that so many others around the world are forced to live with everyday.

So the next time you're late to class or find a hole in your favorite blue sweater, stop what you're doing. Take a deep breath, be thankful for your life and remember that things could always be worse.

Tatiana Sanchez is a senior English major and opinion editor for The Santa Clara.