I am in the final week of my freshman year of college. It has been a journey, and I have learned so many new things. Not only this, but I have met some of the most amazing people who have helped shape my new mindset toward life. In reflecting over the last few months, I began to realize how easy it is and how often we take moments in life for granted. We are always wanting the next thing. However, when we grow old, we will wake up to find that we spent our lives wishing it away.

I remember even when I was in elementary school, I wanted so badly to be in middle school just so I could have a locker of my own. In middle school, I definitely wanted to be in high school so I could start driving and being more independent. In high school, I wanted to go to college, so I could be on my own and move away from my small town. Now in college I find myself becoming anxious to graduate and start my career. From there, I am almost certain I will become anxious to get married and start a family. Well, I think everyone gets the idea, and I think most people can relate to this.

I have also been the person to think that life has to go a certain way. It had to follow a certain order: high school, college, career, and family. Life is not always so clear cut, and we are all called by God to do different things, connect with different people, and to go different places. We have become so stuck in this idea of the American dream that we forget to have dreams of our own.

I am in the process of trying to find a major, which also means I am trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. However, these few months have taught me that no matter what I choose, I want to be happy and love what I do. I don't want to dream a dream that others believe to be right, but the dream God has put in my heart. In the meantime, I want to live my life to the fullest; not longing for the next big thing, but looking at each day as something extraordinary.

This might sound cliche, but life is an adventure. Life is unclear but exciting. Life is messy but beautiful. Life is hard at times, but definitely worth living. We discover who we are and what we want day by day. The people we meet and the opportunities that we are given shape our lives. Some have come to college only to realize that this was not the place for them. However, there are those like myself, who know that this is exactly where they need to be.

So, if there is anything left to say to you, my dear readers, it is to dream big and live in each moment. Look back one day not regretting that you wished your life away but that you made the most of it. Look back knowing that you gave your all, laughed often, loved others, and dreamed your own dreams.