"Why not take a crazy chance? If you lose the moment, you might lose a lot. So, why not?" -Hillary Duff

If asked to, all of us could write a long (or not so long) list of all of our accomplishments, big or small. My biggest ones so far would have to be recording singles, making music videos, working with known music producers, and performing in Nashville, TN.

What I've realized, however, is that sometimes the smallest accomplishments can mean the most. Six months ago, I would not have pictured myself saying that. I didn't really know who I was, but I figured that was okay--I just wanted to have fun. I had ditched my dreams a couple months before, determined to go to college, and "find me." What I failed to realize, was that by looking in all the wrong places, I was always going to come up empty handed. And more importantly, I was always going to be disappointed in myself. Mid-semester of my first year in college, I was in a really dark place, not sure where to turn, or what to do. It was only when I had reached my lowest point that I realized singing was, in truth, my destiny. I needed to change something--myself included--but had no idea where to start.

If you seem to be in the same position I was, and you're not sure that where you are is where you're meant to be, here is my suggestion. Make a list; start with pros and cons--I swear it works. But take into consideration the things that you're already sure of, things you're not willing to give up, and things that you are. If you really want to reach your dreams, you're going to have to sacrifice. It took me so long to realize this--but as my dad would put it, "You started out with Justin Bieber syndrome. You expected everything to fall right into your lap. But if you really want to accomplish something, you have to find the drive to want to work for it; hard. How great would it be to look back and say "I did all of that. I made all of my dreams come true" rather than having to say someone else did it for you?" That is when I realized that I was going to have to get down to the grit, and give it everything that I have to give. So...

The only things I was certain of were:

#1. I love Nashville.

The first time I ever went to this beautiful city, I remember asking my dad if he was sure I'd never been there before. It felt like home, and I truly felt like I was meant to be there--I was instantly drawn to it, and the atmosphere all of the people I met created. As I performed and toured the city and took in all of the artists trying to reach their dreams too, for some reason I wasn't that intimidated. I felt more driven to be somebody. I knew that I would end up back there someday.

#2. College is a must.

Something I had discussed was putting college on hold while I got my music career going, and I knew right then and there that an education is just as important as my career--and that no matter where I end up, I will be getting an education--on the road if I have to. Aside from getting further educated, you also become wiser. It's so true that there are things you can't learn outside of college. To me, it's just so important. I also have college (semester one) to thank for helping me find myself, and showing me just how strong I am.

#3: Singing is my dream.

Like I said before, I realized very quickly, there wasn't one thing I wanted to do with my life more than sing (and save the elephants, but we'll save that story for a rainy day), and I was/am determined to get to my end goal. My daydream is to sell out Madison Square Garden and become and official singer in the Country Music Hall of Fame at the Grand Ole Opry. If there's anything I've learned thus far on my journey through life, it's this: Don't doom yourself to just sitting at a desk for the rest of your life (if that isn't your dream). Vow to live out your daydream.

Shortly after figuring this out, winter break had come; and I was so excited to go home after enduring months of endless homesickness and uncertainty of my near-future plans. After sitting on my thoughts for nearly three weeks, I realized that I needed more than just mine and my family's opinion or I was going to get nowhere. So, my mom helped me reach out to our pastor from church, and we met up the next day for coffee. We caught up, talked about my current situation, and some possible outcomes, and finally came up with this conclusion: I was going to have to take a complete leap of faith--I was going to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) for my Sophomore year. Talk about leap of faith--Central, where I attend now, which is 3 hours away from home makes me homesick. But the voice in my head said this: "Do you want your dream or not? Trust in God, and believe in yourself--believe the decisions you make are right ones--and God will take care of the rest."

So, I dare you to do the same. I dare you to take a leap of faith; stop saying "It's more difficult than that" and start saying 'yes.' Looking back on our lives, I can promise you we're all going to want to say "I did it" or "At least I tried and gave it everything I had," rather than always wondering what could've been. So, I beg you, start living; and stop merely existing.

"When you dream, dream big--as big as the ocean. For when you dream, it might come true. So when you dream, dream big." --Ryan Shupe