It seems as though when you are preparing to take on your college years, you are constantly given the same reminder: "college is the time to find out who you are." College is the time when you find what you love, who you love, and why you love it. It is the time for adventure. For something new. For something exhilarating. It is a new life and a new beginning. It is okay to discover that you are not who you always were. It is okay to decide that you are not happy with the person you once were. After all, it is now or never.
For high school seniors looking forward to the change. For those who have recently undergone the change. For those who are still trying to make the change. Let this serve as a reminder that it is okay to reinvent yourself. If you were captain of a sports team and decide you would rather get involved in student government, go for it. If you spent most of your high school years as an introvert but decide to socialize and go out for Greek life, go for it. If you want to learn a new language, travel the world, practice a new religion, meet new people, and study new things, this is the time of your life when you can.
You may lose old hobbies. You may lose old friends. You may forget habits. You may outgrow ideas. But you are on a journey to discover yourself. Never forget that you are working towards creating the best version of yourself that you can be. You may not be able to go back and change the person you once were, but there is nothing stopping you from deciding that it is not who you are anymore. While you may lose certain things, you will be gaining new ones. You will gain experiences, adventures, knowledge, and self-confidence as you embark on a journey of self discovery. You are growing and improving and nobody can take that from you.
It is unfair to expect people to remain the same throughout their entire lives. Experiences will change us. It is inevitable to grow as we encounter challenges in our lives. College is a challenge, an experience, a fresh start, and the perfect opportunity to grow.
Remember, it is now or never.