Right now, in my life, I can say that I’m struggling. I truly am struggling. Fortunately, I know that I’m not alone.

This world that we live in, the society that America is built upon, creates this struggle. I think, in a way, it’s a test. As a fourth-year college student who is close to entering the real world, I can say that I am happy that I am struggling.

I grew up in Naperville, Illinois. If you are unfamiliar with this suburb, just Google it. There are thousands of articles that are about the stereotypes of this city. As I look back on my teenage years and growing up in Naperville, it’s obvious that I was coddled just like the majority of people who are from Naperville. It is a safe haven. It's a place where people move to settle down. Yes, it is an extremely wealthy area. Being a suburb of Chicago, the population is tremendously high and the income rate is not any different.

I can say that I was naïve. I was naïve in believing that I thought that I had all of the answers. I think that this happens when teenagers are coddled. My friends and I all felt safe and I can say, personally, that I thought that the life that my parents provided was normal. I was so wrong.

My third year in college was when things started to hit me. I learned so much more about life than most people my age and I think that was through both unexpected occurrences and that I can’t drink alcohol. I don’t get the opportunity to go to the bars and drink my problems away like most people my age do. I don’t have alcohol to fall back on as an excuse or to protect myself from rejection. I have to face my problems. I can’t escape the music.

Then, I realized that the life that my parents provided for me was much more than normal. I never understood or appreciated the number of hours that both of my parents put in to allow me to eat, stay clothed, and, most importantly, stay housed. I never thought about taxes and mortgages. I thought that it would all just figure itself out. I was wrong. Nothing figures itself out. Nothing is handed to people once they enter the real world. I am not just given a home with food and water, I have to earn that. That’s why I’m struggling

I’m struggling because I have finally become myself. I have finally accepted who I am and who I will be. I accepted that I won’t be white. I’ve accepted that I have played classical piano for 18 years. I’ve accepted that my thoughts differ from everyone else's. I’ve accepted that people will not agree with me. I’ve accepted that I will disappoint people. I’ve accepted that money is what controls the world. I’ve accepted that people have accepted this reality. I’ve accepted that I just can’t drink alcohol. I’ve accepted that I won’t be the next Justin Bieber. The thing is, I’m completely OK with that. I’m OK with everything because I can start and make a difference now. I am still a baby when it comes to the real world. However, I have prepared myself in astounding ways. I have given up social engagements in large quantities and stayed true to the importance of knowledge and enlightenment.

I am struggling, but I value the struggle because it has been more of a teacher than anyone in my life. I know that I’m not alone. I know that I will never be alone. So, to you, the reader, I ask that you stay true to yourself. Stay true to education and knowledge. Stay true to what you value. The struggle is real and it is a beast, but when you really understand that there will always be sunshine after every storm, then you will solidify a hopeful future.

I’m struggling, but I have learned to love myself through this struggle. I am and will forever be me. I will not be a puppet. I hope that you do the same.