It's Not Where You're From, It's Where You're Going | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

It's Not Where You're From, It's Where You're Going

You are what you have become and where you are going.

937
It's Not Where You're From, It's Where You're Going
Kacey Kadlec

The thought that your past determines your future is nothing else but a fallacy. Given certain circumstances, this may be understandable. But, the past is not the only deciding factor of your future. You are.

Where you're from is not who you are.

Geographically, where you were born and raised cannot physically hold you back from where you go in life. If you grew up in a small town but have dreams of moving to a big city to be the CEO of some huge business, that is an obtainable goal. This is not to say that those around you, in your hometown, will not tell you that you are crazy for thinking that is possible. When I tell people from my small town what my future plans are the reactions range from "That's great, go for it!" to "That's going to be really hard. You should try to be a nurse instead." Everyone, of course, is entitled to their opinion, but just because you are told time and time again that your life goals are "unobtainable" or "unrealistic," does not mean that is what you should believe. You are in charge of your life. So, go after your dreams. They are yours, nobody else's.

Who your parents are is not who you are.

By those who do not know you, personally, but know your family, odds are they will judge you based on their views of them. This may be in your favor, but it also may not. From my own experience, those who know my parents automatically expect me to be like them. But I am nothing like them. For those who do not know me but know my mother, they wouldn't be surprised if I ended up unemployed. For those who do not know me but know my father, they wouldn't be surprised if I ended up in prison. Most who do not know me but know them, feel sorry for me and how I have grown up. But I do not want anyone's pity. My parents made their own life choices that got them where they are, just like I have made my life choices that have got me to where I am.

One thing that really upsets me is seeing good children following the steps of their parents that lead to them going down the wrong path. You do not have to be what your parents are, despite what everyone puts in your head. It may be easier than not to follow in their footsteps, growing up. But, you do not have to live the same life your parents did. You can do better than what they did. You do not have to believe in what they do. You are in charge of your own life. You are you. You are not your parent's mistakes or their success, for that matter.

What you have is not who you are.

Just because your family does not have a lot doesn't mean that you can't be successful. They say "money isn't everything," and they are right. But, money obviously plays a major role in our everyday lives. That is not to say that finances should restrict anyone from reaching their goals. It may take more time to reach them if you do not have what others have. But, not having money does not put your goals out of reach. You can get a job to provide for yourself. You can study hard to make good grades or play sports or participate in clubs, to get scholarships to go to college. There are so many ways you can come out of what you grew up with. You just have to do it for yourself. It may not be easy, but if you want success it is an option for anyone who is willing to work for it.

You are who you make yourself.

Where you came from, who your parents are, and what you have grown up with has shaped you into who you are. These factors have helped you develop your morals, taught you what to do (as well as what not to do), and shown you what it is like to do without. Where you are from is nothing, in which, you should be ashamed. I won't lie to you and say that others won't judge or make fun of where and what you come from. Because they will. People can be extremely judgemental and cruel. These people should make you want to work even harder, though, to be everything they think you will never be. Do not let what people say or think about where you come from put any doubts in your mind.

You are what you have become and where you are going, not where you came from. Don't forget it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

164757
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

51067
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

45581
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments