We are getting to the point in the year where the senior class is ready to trade their books and pencils for the gowns and tassels. They have finally finished a task that has taken them thirteen years and feels like they are ready to conquer the world. Every graduating senior is looking forward to the next chapter of life, whether it is college or something different. Life is all about figuring out who you want to be, and where you want to go. Sometimes life will lead you to one path, then change its mind as soon as you feel like you have it all figured out. Believe me, I've been there.
When I graduated high school I thought I had it all planned out. I was going to my dream school and had already chosen a major that fitted best with the career I thought I wanted. Everything seemed to be going perfectly, just like I had intended. Then, the unexpected happened, and I no longer knew what I wanted to do. The career that I thought was perfect for me just didn't seem so perfect anymore. I was lost and didn't know what came next. Life works in the most unexpected ways, and will give you answers in the places you never dreamed they would be.
I found my idea for my future career, believe it or not, at Sea World. Before then, I thought I wanted to be a therapist for special needs children. Turns out that is just not what I was meant to do. I want to work with dolphins and maybe even train them one day. But who knows. In a year from now, I may want to do something completely different. That is the thing about college. You don't have to know what you want to do just yet. You have time to look at what you want, what you like, and if your plan happens to change that's fine too. Your professors are going to be by your side to help make your dreams a reality, so trust them, and trust your heart.
It is great to walk into college with a plan. It is going to give you an idea about where you want life to take you, and a drive that can help get you there. I'm just saying, don't be afraid if that plan shifts. After all, college is the greatest time for self-discovery. College is one of the most important times for a person and allows them to grow mentally, and emotionally. So maybe that career that you once thought was the only one for you doesn't seem as amazing as it did, and maybe a career that you once looked at and said "No way!" now looks exciting and brand new.
So graduating seniors this one is for you. As you move on to the next chapter in your life just remember life has a way of changing, and, as cliche as it may sound, you have to learn to expect the unexpected. Never be afraid of change because it could take you on the most amazing adventure of your life.
