Dear “Real” World,
I am a junior in college with a 21st birthday quickly approaching, and I see you getting closer day by day. Ever since I was in middle school, all I’ve heard is, “Enjoy your time now because once you’re out of school, the real world is no joke.” I’ve heard it from family, teachers, random people on the street and the message is all the same. This message endlessly getting fed to me creates feelings of both nerves and skepticism.
Naturally, I am nervous about graduating. When people older tell me about the “real” world, it comes across more as a warning than a friendly piece of information. They paint a picture of a life that is difficult, demanding, and unforgiving. They personify things such taxes, rent, insurance, finding a career and job security as obstacles that can never completely be vanquished. As a kid, I got the idea that adulthood is a nightmare, compared to the first 21 years of life that is made out to be like a dream. So, I am nervous due to all the above. I worry about the debt that faces me after graduation. I worry about whether I will be able to create a successful career. And if this career will earn me enough money to pay my bills, taxes, and allow me to live a comfortable life. To keep a long story short, I worry about the future and see it as an opponent to beat due to a lifetime of warnings.
I believe that is the problem. Some of my generation may disagree, but we have had our thoughts about the future and the “real” world jaded. We see it as a monster that needs to be slain instead of a roller coaster ride to be enjoyed. Maybe that’s too optimistic. I believe the future is a stage for us to show our abilities in the path we choose. At times the spotlight will not shine on us favorably, and we will be booed off. However ,if you fall off one stage, there will be another to take its place, and another chance under the spotlight to display your talents.
I am skeptic about what I’ve been told about the “real” world because it insinuates the world I am currently living in is fake. In my 20 years, I have had experiences that other people double my age do not. The fact that I am a college student and dependent on my parents does not mean I am ignorant of the world around me. And I refuse to believe the hardships I have overcome are trifles compared to future struggles. I am not saying that adult life will be easy; in fact, it probably is harder. But I disagree with the notion that the change is night and day. I don’t believe that problems we face now, in our youth, mean nothing, and the problems we will face at 30 will be infinitely harder. My perspective will, without a doubt, evolve with age, but life is life whether you are 20 or 60.
Sincerely,
A nervous and skeptic young man equipped with confidence and ready to enjoy the struggle the future holds.
