We all had dreams and expectations growing up. Some we gave to ourselves, but others were placed on us by those around us who want us to be successful. It's not always a bad thing to have others pushing you in life and planning your future, but through it all, remember to follow your own heart and not the paths others give you.

To explain, let me give you an example from my life. Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to achieve. I always saw what the adults around me did for a living, and I would then adapt my dreams to what they were doing. I wanted to be a fashion designer, ghost hunter, artist, cake decorator, and journalist. Through all of these different career choices, I always thought I found "the one." I saw that the adults around me were happy with that career choice so I figured I would be too.

The only one that stuck with me was journalism. There were a lot of people in my life who were journalists and I instantly fell in love. I liked the idea of being the first to know about breaking news. I enjoyed the newsroom scene a lot. There were a lot of people who were telling me I would become the best reporter the USA has ever seen. I felt like I had a fan club for what my future would look like. I am now in college for journalism, but something that I've learned is that I don't want to be a reporter.

This was a really hard realization for me because for over three years I had people constantly telling me how amazing of a reporter I will be. They also took a lot out of their lives to show me what it takes to be a reporter. Making the realization that I don't want to be a reporter was something that I had to justify for months. I kept telling myself that it was I was meant to do, it was my destiny. I still want to pursue journalism, but not the reporting aspect. I want to help with advertisement and social media management for non-profits as well as work as a missionary.

I would have never discovered that I wanted to help non-profits and with missions, if I would have kept following the dreams that others placed on me. What I want others to see is that your future should be what you want it to be. The people around you will still love you even if you don't follow what they want for you. Your future is yours, do what makes you happy and not what will make others happy. The ones telling you what to do have their own lives to do what they want with. You only get a life here on earth once, don't waste it on others.

The happiness and freedom you get when you decide to follow your own heart and dreams is a feeling you won't be able to substitute. You will constantly feel like there's more meant for you in the world. You will have an empty hole waiting to be filled. Make your future the one you want, and give it your all.