I thought I’d take a minute to talk about my motto for this year. As YOLO became one of the most overused expressions ever, I thought of a more upbeat alternative: "Live your dreams."

While it is obvious that unless you believe in reincarnation you only live once, in today’s hectic and technology-infused world many people forget to live their dreams. I think this phrase can be applied to a variety of situations. From the smallest decision like deciding to get that freshly baked chocolate chip cookie from Panera to bigger decisions such as studying abroad or pursuing a career that you are passionate about, “live your dreams” is quite the appropriate mantra.

When you were little, people would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up. At the time you responded enthusiastically with answers like astronaut, dinosaur, ballerina or president. Nowadays people respond to the same question with answers like “I just want a job” or “rich, I guess” with a complete lack of fervor. I find this disheartening coming from a population with the average age of about twenty. With the proper attitude, so much can be accomplished.   

Some of this rat-race mentality comes from pessimistic attitudes on the news that convince us that “extraordinary” is no longer possible, and “financially secure” is the best we can aim for. Not only is this untrue, but it’s verging on bitter — an attitude we probably shouldn’t have at twenty. The first step to living those dreams is stopping to look around and realize how extraordinary your life already is. To quote T.I. from his song with Rihanna, "Live Your Life," “Stop lookin' at what you ain't got / Start bein' thankful for what you do got." If nothing else you have a family and friends, and you go to THE Ohio State University. That in itself is quite a bit to be thankful for.   

It is also important to remember that the amount of money you have is not equivalent with the quality of life you have lived. You could work your life away at a fancy office in New York City and at the end of the day have a very impressive bank account. However, if you never enjoy your life, was it really worth it? There is great value to be given to those silly family vacations, those unexpected all-nighters with your friends, those extremely rewarding volunteer experiences and that one time you met a stranger who changed your life.     

This year my grandma turned ninety years old. With luck and (fingers crossed) good health, that means I hopefully have at least seventy years ahead of my to do as I please. While I do hope to travel the world and save lives in my profession, I mostly just want to be happy. And I believe that being happy means living out even the smallest and silliest dreams.