Whether you are starting or continuing on the academic road to success, there are a series of markers that will help keep you on the path. First, you must believe. Believe in yourself, believe in others, and believe in the process of life. You are here for a purpose. Second, keep an open mind. Be aware of things that are working and things that are not. Be willing to make changes. Third, know when you need help and be willing to ask for it. There are many people who can assist you; be specific when you ask for help. Fourth, use your resources: people, books, nature, experience, events, travel--that which is seen and that which is unseen. Fifth, remember who you are and why you are here. Remind yourself what it is that you want to accomplish. Sixth, balance your life. There is a weariness that occurs when life's energies are out of harmony. Body, mind, and spirit need nurturing on a daily basis. Lastly, remember that storms never last. Which word best describes the author's attitude toward continuing on the "academic road to success"?

Which two passages in this excerpt from the death of ivan illych does leo tolstoy use to suggest that ivan ilych feels like his life is slipping away from him? "what's the use? it makes no difference," he said to himself, staring with wide-open eyes into the darkness. "death. yes, death. and none of them knows or wishes to know it, and they have no pity for me. now they are playing." (he heard through the door the distant sound of a song and its accompaniment.) "it's all the same to them, but they will die too! fools! i first, and they later, but it will be the same for them. and now they are merry . . the beasts! " anger choked him and he was agonizingly, unbearably miserable. "it is impossible that all men have been doomed to suffer this awful horror! " he raised himself. "something must be wrong. i must calm myself—must think it all over from the beginning." and he again began thinking. "yes, the beginning of my illness: i knocked my side, but i was still quite well that day and the next. it hurt a little, then rather more. i saw the doctors, then followed despondency and anguish, more doctors, and i drew nearer to the abyss. my strength grew less and i kept coming nearer and nearer, and now i have wasted away and there is no light in my eyes.