I moved to Columbia, Missouri from the second smallest county in the state of Illinois. High populations, constant traffic, and roundabouts are all new to me. Like many other kids, I came here to go to college. All I wanted was to be a Tiger.

But due to circumstances beyond my control, I cannot attend college this semester. I found that out just days before my move-in date. I was so upset by the news that I almost didn't come. But I was stuck in a dead-end job in a dying economy. I decided that even without school it was time to get out and try something new.

So let's rewind to ten days ago. I was in my new apartment. My rent is deferred for a few weeks because I'm supposed to be getting financial aid through school. I am schoolless. Jobless. The bills are coming. I have a dog and a kitten to feed. My girlfriend is a full-time Biology major. I want to provide for her so she can focus on her studies.

In two days, I apply to not less than twenty jobs. Then one day a flier shows up on my door for another job opportunity. Desperate, I apply.

I haven't heard from any other job. Monday I call the number of the flier. Tuesday I interview. Wednesday is orientation. Thursday and Friday are training days.

I now have a Monday through Friday that covers the bills and some. My nightly panic attacks are subsiding, mostly. The crippling fear of not being good enough to find a job is fading. The constant anxiety from being more than a half hour from my parents is dissipating. The last two weeks have been an adventure. I've been challenged emotionally, mentally, and physically (hello, humidity!).

All of these negative feelings are slowly being replaced with hope and confidence. Now it's time to explore my new home. I know that I have barely scratched the surface of what this amazing city has to offer. Obviously, I will still be challenged. But in the face of adversity, the only thing that you can do is to push back. That's okay. What fun is life without a little challenge?

So game on, Columbia, game on.