Four years ago, I quietly joined the Odyssey writing club through my college. I was beginning my Sophomore year and for lack of better words, I was simply lost. I had failed to declare a major yet, I was unhappy in my studies and work, and I feel as though I was waiting for my "a-ha" moment to solve everything. Or at least that's what I thought should happen next. As my Dad always says, I was just existing, and not truly "living."

I remember writing my first article, entitled "At 19," where I documented my secret struggles, and yearning for change. Although I was hopeful in my post and remained positive for the future, I can truly say that it took years after that was published, to truly find some of the answers I was looking for at that time.

My parents have always instilled in me the importance in finding your gifts, and using them to fulfill your life's purpose- rather than settling for a life that doesn't satisfy or bring out the best in you.

My whole childhood I have been told and reminded about my Dad and his career choice. About how when he was in his late 20's, he suddenly quit his job as a CPA in order to find a more "meaningful" career. Growing up with this narrative, I've always felt this unspoken duty to my parents, especially my Dad, to find a career that brings out the absolute best in me and find my passions.

Throughout the last four years, I spent a great deal of time focusing on what is most important to me, and trying to find a career/purpose that truly exhibits many of these qualities. To me, finding a purpose starts with finding a passion and what speaks to us as humans. Throughout my studies and self analysis, human connection, mentor-ship, child advocacy, and helping others were essential needs for me in my future. Money was not the motive. I feel the reward from helping a child will far exceed any satisfaction that money could provide for me. Pursuing my Master's in School Counseling has been providing me with all the feelings of worth and belonging that I was lacking at 19 years old. I can truly say I feel so certain and sure about where I am, where I'm going and the work that I will be doing going forward.

At 22, I am content, confident and driven. I feel stronger due to my struggles, grateful for me experiences, and so appreciative for every single person that has come into my path thus far. The journey of achieving my life's purpose is truly just beginning, and there is much more work that needs to be done, but I feel really strongly about the foundation I'm putting down.

Going forward, I am excited to continue to learn more about myself, feed my hobbies of cooking and creating, and explore more of this world. The only duty we owe ourselves is to find what ignites a fire within us, and utilize that spark to lead productive, but most importantly happy lives.

To a healthier and happy 2020..

-Shell