Often times we get caught up in the idea that we have a deadline for things and feel like, by age X, we need to be in a certain place in our lives. We are constantly under pressure to have a plan in our lives and to be on track for success while making minimal mistakes. I am definitely guilty of believing this.
In high school, I thought most people went to college to get an undergraduate degree, then went on to get some sort of masters or additional education, then got a job, got married, and had kids. I thought everyone went in with one plan and comes out being successful in that field. Not very long after coming to college, I learned that is rare.
It is completely fine if college is not the route for you, or if you don't want to get married. Society creates this "life" that everyone is expected to live, not understanding that everyone has different circumstances and are in different situations. I felt awful in my first year of college when I did not enjoy the pre-med track I originally chose for myself, but I felt like I had to continue with it and make it through.
Luckily after my first year, I was able to change my plan, thanks to the support of my friends and parents. From there, I really understood that life doesn't always turn out how you plan it to. It's okay to change what you want to do. It's better to spend your life doing what you enjoy, rather than waste it being miserable.
This doesn't just go for college. Life is full of expectations, and it is important to remember that other people's opinions of you do not determine who you are or your course of life. Marriage is not right for everyone, and not everyone wants their own children, and that is completely fine! At the end of the day, people just need to remember to do what works best for them and not worry about other people.
