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.