"Completion, Not Perfection"

It was with this phrase, "Completion, Not Perfection" that Dr. Sue Alman ended her email describing the details of one of the summer classes to Pitt FastTrack students. Apparently this phrase is the mantra of the FastTrack program. The moment I finished reading the words, "Memorize the FastTrack mantra: 'Completion--Not Perfection!'", was the exact moment I officially became disillusioned with an academic program I have yet to begin.

Yes, her intent for the meaning of this mantra may have been something totally different (I hope); yes, other fellow FastTrackers may find a totally different meaning in the mantra, but I can only speak to how I read it--Getting through the program is more important than how much effort you put forth while in the program. Now I admit the quest for perfection can be taken to unhealthy levels by some, but for most striving for perfection is a healthy thing to do. Even if you don't always reach the hollowed ground of perfection, at least there was an attempt. If you are not striving to achieve perfection, then what are you striving to achieve? Mediocrity? Paltriness? Shoddiness?

I have been thinking about how this mantra relates to not only my education, but also to my future. Do I want my potential employers to know the mantra of my Library School was "Completion, Not Perfection"? No one remembers a baseball pitcher for the complete game(s) he throws, but a baseball pitcher will be remembered for a perfect game. The IRS is hardly expected to be forgiving, when in the middle of an audit as they are asking for answers to the mistakes on your taxes, you say "I approached my taxes this year with the mantra of 'completion, not perfection'". "Completion, not perfection" is exactly the reason why, after eight months of my landlord "completing repairs" on my leaky bathroom ceiling, water still drips on me every time it rains.

It is not my intention to offend anyone or disrespect Dr. Alman's words. I merely wished to express my disappointment and disillusionment with the FastTrack mantra. Had I seen this mantra anywhere, on any literature from the University of Pittsburgh or the FastTrack Program, I would not have applied to this institution of higher education.