I used to let my weaknesses define me, but after time – and many mistakes – I let myself learn from them. Now, after 22 years of experience, mistakes and growing, I can finally say that I am in the best place I could ever be.
I have surrounded myself with a group of people that I know will always be there for me and support me– even when times are tough. I have someone who I can laugh as loud as I want with. Someone I come home to who reminds me of my worth and someone who isn't afraid to tell me when i'm being dramatic. Someone who helps me laugh through my chaos.
I have hundreds of sisters who have been there for me through the good, the bad and the ugly. A little who was wise beyond her years. Most importantly, I have my family. I never really thanked them. My dad was offered a job at the college I now attend when I was only a junior in high school, and to me that seemed like the end of the world – but honestly, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I had spent most of my life imagining that I would follow in my dad's footsteps and attend the University of Kansas. After getting in, I was so excited. I would be able to return to the state that I had loved.
However, knowing what I know now, I wasn't being honest with myself. I would have been homesick and miserable, because to me – home was wherever my family was. Knowing that my grandparents were close would have been the only upside of that situation.
So, after already accepting KU, I changed my mind last minute and went to Sam Houston State University. I never regretted that choice – ever.
Don't get me wrong, sometimes I consider dropping out and becoming an ice cream truck driver. But knowing me, I would have gotten bored after a week and would have wanted more of a challenge. That's exactly what college was. A challenge that I accepted every day when I woke up and walked down the hill to my first class.
I knew I would trade every stressful day for the fears I conquered along the way. I was me. It was that simple, I was finally who I wanted to be and no one would ever make me second guess myself again.
This article may have been a chance for me to open up about myself to my readers, but it is also a chance for others to hopefully find themselves too. Honestly, take advantage of everything. You might only be in college to get a degree, but there are so many opportunities out there. There really is something for everyone.
Find the people that embrace your strengths and likes, and let them help you find yourself. Laugh through your mistakes and grow from them. Let college be your playground for self-discovery.
