Ah, college. It’s that time of life where we all have our lives completely figured out. We have our schools picked out, we know what our majors are, and we know exactly what we want to do with the rest of our lives…or, at least, that’s what most of society expects of us.
At 18, we’re told we need to have our lives sorted out…yesterday. Some may feel the pressure to excel more than others, but we can all agree on one thing: we are nowhere near prepared to enter into corporate America. Many of us don’t even know what we want for breakfast tomorrow let alone what career path we want to take and, unfortunately, much of society doesn’t understand this.
From a young age, we are told success is the doorway to happiness. If we work hard and pay attention in class and get good grades, we’ll get into a good college. If we get into a good college, we’ll get a good job. If we get a good job, we’ll make a lot of money. If we make a lot of money, we’ll be happy. I’m not sure about anyone else, but that sounds like an incredibly long road just to experience a basic human right: happiness. To top it off, we have parents, teachers, and other adults in our lives shaping us for this path from the moment we’re born.
I’m not saying this is necessarily a bad thing. We should all strive for success. But shouldn’t we have a better definition of success rather than “make all the money you possibly can”...?
Since this definition of success is overemphasized in our culture, you have many students my age and younger experiencing unimaginable stress when they’re supposed to be having the time of their lives. After all, we’re not getting any younger, right?
However, since the almighty dollar rules all, students are more focused on making their first million dollars out of college than living life and enjoying themselves. They want to have everything figured out and they do not want to disappoint parents, teachers, and family members who have put so much time and effort into making them the best.
However, if I have learned everything these past few years between taking a gap year and now being in my first year of college, it’s this: it’s ok not to have your whole life planned out. In fact, sometimes it turns out for the best when you don’t and just follow your heart.
Over the past year, I have met some incredible people who have completely changed my life for the better all because I didn’t have my life figured out. I listened to my heart instead.
So forget what society tells you is “normal.” Let’s be honest: normal comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personality traits. College is supposed to be the best time of your life. It’s a time when you can travel with friends, visit new and exotic places, all while learning more about yourself in the process. By doing this, your life’s map will show itself.
So go out there! Show the world that we are more than just the amount of money in the bank because it is ok to be unsure and take an unconventional path through life.
