I Didn't Go To My Dream School, And That's Ok
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Didn't Go To My Dream School, And That's Ok

I made it my dream school.

258
I Didn't Go To My Dream School, And That's Ok
Christi Ballard

As high school seniors around the nation began to prepare for their final days of school, graduation and beginning the next chapter of their life, most have already decided where their next step will be. Whether it is joining the workforce offhand or attending some type of schooling, most have a general idea of what is to come.

When I graduated, however, that wasn't exactly the case. I had applied for colleges throughout my senior year, got accepted to several universities, but I didn't make a final decision until a few weeks before graduation. Stressful, yes, but not 100% definite either.

I had found what was, and still is, my dream university: Baylor University. I never considered going there when my aunt and uncle first mentioned it, making faces even at the thought of it. My whole world changed nonetheless once I stepped foot onto campus. From the moment I first arrived, I knew that this was going to be my new home.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I got accepted, was offered scholarships, and even made it all the way to orientation before life wrecked my plans. I literally had both feet through the door and I was about to shut it when I was sucked back into Mississippi.

I received the quota of how much my four-year undergraduate education was going to be, and let's say that wasn't a lovely number. I was heartbroken. I had been clawing my way to get there, fighting until the very end, and when all the odds seemed to be in my favor, a royal flush came and swept away my straight. And I had 3 weeks to start from scratch.

This by far was the worst part about deciding my future, but it was entirely my fault. I thought that I had already put in the hard work and that applying, being accepted, and going to college was going to be a piece of cake. I didn't apply nearly as much, half-assed my applications, and didn't go the extra mile for any other college I was accepted into. So, choosing my fate for the next four years was a bit of a challenge.

However, all the hard work that I had put in during high school did pay off, just not as I had imagined.

I had participated in several summer programs, but one in particular, Summer College for High School Students at the University of Mississippi, turned out to be the one that saved me. I was a part of the new Pre-Pharmacy program within the summer program, so I was already a student at Ole Miss and I had contacts up here. So as soon as I had cried it out and learned to move on, I reached out to them.

They contacted me and by the end of the week, I was a registered Rebel!

At first, I felt resentful. I never even applied here my senior year, I didn't want to go to school in Mississippi, and I didn't want to be that close to home. But clearly, God had different plans.

While going to Baylor would have been a dream come true, I now realize that it was not the right path for me. While it still hurts to think about what my life might have been like out in Waco, Texas, I am so grateful for my life in Oxford, Mississippi.

If I had continued on with my original plan, I wouldn't have met the love of my life. I wouldn't have been able to buy my first car, I wouldn't have been able to come home to visit my family, especially during some difficult times and I wouldn't have the life and the opportunities that I have now.

Closing the door to one of my dreams opened up so many other doors I didn't know I needed.

I still hold the utmost respect for Baylor; I love it with all my heart and I cheer for them from afar, but I am thankful for Ole Miss, the opportunities it has given me, and the chances to come.

While Baylor has my heart, Ole Miss is my home.

So, to my dear senior who is lost or who is hurt about the crushing fate of broken dreams, hold on, because there is better to come. Having one door closed isn't the end of the world, even if you were fully prepared. It just means that there is another door opening somewhere soon.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58196
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37490
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959124
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192992
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments