My birthday was February 19th and it was arguably the best birthday I've ever had. The ironic part is my little sister had more fun legitimately than I did. Could it be because she's only 19-years-old or was it because I was insanely cross-faded for two days straight and had eight mimosas at Saddle Ranch on that fateful Sunday? I totally wanted to go for 25 because well, college makes you a better drinker whether you want it to or not but I digress. I'd probably say it was the latter but more so that upon reflecting on my 25 years of existence on this beautiful cesspool we call Earth, my mother, grandmother and aunt said it best," You getting old kid."

That passion that my little sister has is what warms my heart because I know regardless of her age, she keeps that spark, or at least I hope she does. I've become more laid back and reflective of just who and what kind of person I am at this point, especially since I can see 30 creeping up. The only way to take that next step in this current transition of my life is to put it into words and find a way to recollect my past so that all my baggage can be neatly sorted and finally put away. My older sister told me I'd hit a wall going into being 25-years-old and well, thanks for the heads up Courtney.

I'm literally nine months from finishing college and getting my B.A. in journalism, which has been the most hellacious journey of my life. I went from balancing a horrific injury I got playing high school football, a borderline pill popping habit to cope with the never-ending nerve damage as a result of my injury, crippling depression, homelessness, to progressing my way through the junior college and university ranks.

I had to grow and develop as a man without a father and with nothing more than my own conviction and the support of the women in my family. I only have one uncle and everyone else in my family are women who have helped shape me into who I am. What helped the most is my mother's sacrifice and belief in my hopes and dreams that helped me come out of my funk and ultimately start writing again. She's always believed in my ability to express myself through words and fostered my creativity.

Last year I took time away from school and worked to help out with bills and such and I had to do some soul-searching on what my next move would be in life. At the end of 2015 I had been wrongfully terminated from a job I worked for a year and a half. In hindsight, I can say that was going to be my last semester working there regardless but how I was forced out is what made me question what I really wanted to do with my career. All the stress of being in ones mid-20's is hard enough to get through, but you will eventually realize most of the drama that plays out in your head doesn't even matter. Are you ashamed that you've switched majors four times and watching all your friends graduate? Well pick something and throw yourself at the mercy of knowledge. Surrender your ego and realize that life isn't meant to be figured out before 25 but you can make plans and work toward it.

I finally came to the realization that a lot of things that happened in my past have no place in my life now. Anger from painful memories and lost opportunities happen at the same space that you do successful things so don't look at your current situation as a failure. I have friends with houses, kids and growing businesses. I have other friends who are right in the thick of it with me or might be worse off than me, but what helps keep you leveled is facing your insecurities and not being afraid of being clueless. You can make all the plans you want but you might feel like you're going away from what made you passionate about life and that's fine. Just know that when you hit that 25 year mark, you'll freak the hell out. The depression you might feel is only temporary because you're going to be in a different space mentally so trust the work you put in and keep grinding.