I’m about to finish my first 8 months of college, and as I’m observing what’s going on around me, I contemplate what I want to look back on in five, ten, or twenty years after I graduate. Who do I want to be seen as? What kinds of things did I do in my early 20’s? What do I want to remember and what do I definitely want to forget?

Here’s what I want to remember: the things that brought out the best in me and the accomplishments that I worked day and night to achieve. I want to remember the grades that I gave up my Saturday afternoons in the campus library for and a spot on the Dean’s list. However, not only do I want to remember school, but also, I want to remember my best friends. My friends who supported me even when I was wrong about something and laughed and cried with me. I want to remember how my family understood what it takes to become a nurse and how to get through nursing school. I didn’t see my family much and I missed out on a lot of family vacations, but at least I know they were and always will be behind me and my hard work. I know that my friends and family will be proud of me, and this work will pay off.

Of course, I’ve been to a few college parties. Those are memorable to me, because am I really in college if I don’t go to at least one party? I’ve never really had the desire to get plastered at a party. I don’t have any drunk stories; I don’t really want them either. However, I don’t care if my friends drink, and if they get into trouble or get really sick, I am always there to help them with whatever they need, whether it’s some gatorade or the need to go to sleep.

I don’t want to remember the toxic relationships I had, or the boys who hurt me. They will be a constant reminder of who and what I deserve in terms of a relationship. I don’t want to remember the friendships that weren’t really friendships. I want to remember how they set my standards high and how I have real and devoted friends by my side.

College is probably the best and worst time of my life. I have gone through a lot of obstacles and will continue to go through more in the next three years. However, I cannot wait to see what amazing things are ahead of me. This is a time where I have the opportunity to make my own decisions and choose my own path, whether I can control some things or not. I am the master of my own destiny. I cannot wait to reach out to all of the opportunities and places to travel in college. I’m so excited to look back on my college years and embrace the times that made me who I am.