Welcome to real life. College begins, and there are classes, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, parties, homework, exams, papers, homework, eating, homework, sports, homework, cleaning, sleeping, eating, homework and also calling home on the weekends. Whew. Oh, and also the endless questions from relatives about "what do you want to do with your life" to which I often want to respond, "I don't even know what I want to eat for dinner; I have no idea what I want my life to be for the next 30 years!" And then I go cry in a corner and eat ice cream to avoid my problems (and homework).
But seriously, this is such a strong theme for kids in America today that are in college, trying to figure out who they are and why they're there and what they want out of life and the college experience (Whoa, Kids in America! Whoa! BTW, it's a song. Look it up). Now add to that every person you know asking, "So, what's your major? What do you want to be," and suddenly every third grade activity of "what you want to be when you grow up" comes crashing down on you because you have no answer. That was me six months ago.
Even now, I'm not 100 percent sure of my choice. I know I could change my mind again. And that would be okay, right? Sure, sure. But tell anyone that you're not sure, and you'll get lots of questions to answer in addition to the ones on your exams (and homework). But take a deep breath! It will all be okay. Here are some things I have found out.
It is not as scary as your mind is. Okay? Say that out loud to yourself. Your brain is a scary place, and speaking for someone who overthinks everything, I know! I understand. I do. But trust me, it's a scarier place by yourself. So talk to people! Your friends, your academic adviser. Honestly, these people know so much about what they do, and they mean so well.
Take a deep breath. Right now. Stretch your back out. Really breathe. It is okay not to know everything. Know what you can know and deal with that. It will all work out. You can answer those questions with "I don't know" to your relatives (not homework), and it will be okay. They love you for you, not the career -- remember that. They ask because they care, not to be intrusive or bothersome. They love you. Don't forget that (or your homework).
Pray about this! Remember what I said about it being okay not to know? Yeah, that. It is so true. You know what you know for a reason. Be okay with that, and grow into more knowledge. God always has a plan, whether you can see it or not. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? You don't need to see it; you just need to know that it's there. Trust me! Trust God more. Believe! You are not forgotten or forsaken. Your path is there.
Don't let the stress of college life and pressure from family (or homework) unsettle who you were meant to become. You are always in good hands -- remember that. You might be falling, but God will catch you. Don't let all the figuring out of who you are, why you're there and what you may want out of life get you down. Breathe and believe. Have a cup of coffee and spend some time with your Bible and talk with your friends. Breathe.
