"There are years that ask questions and years that answer." -Zorah Neal Hurston
I think that a lot of us leave high school less nervous and more excited. We've already figured out who we are, what we want, and we have a clear vision for the future. If you're anything like me, you entered college thinking you had life all figured out. You'd already endured the difficult times of finding out who you are and what you wanted, and you were literally invincible. For a while, it seems that you are, but little do you know that your life has barely started. Your life, my friend, is just beginning.
Then it hits you like a freight train out of the blue. You aren't a kid anymore, and you are the master of your fate. Your decisions, good or bad, are your own and no one can take the credit or the fall for your choices. You've entered the world of adults and all of a sudden the big fish you may have been at high school is long gone and you're just one of thousands of others who are looking out for number one. It's you against the world at this point, and you have family, friends, and peers who expect you to follow through on your responsibilities. You can't let them down, and the fear of failing at all you've just been thrown into hits you like a whirlwind of emotions. All of a sudden, you aren't as sure of yourself as you thought. Doubt and fear starts to creep in. College was supposed to be the best time of your life, but how can you enjoy a time where you have to make so many decisions and choices that affect the rest of your life?
If any of these fears or thoughts sound familiar, I promise you that you're not alone. There's a lot of us out there. Maybe everyone else seems like they have their life together, but they're just as nervous as you. I promise you that nobody has their life together as a 20-something-year-old. It's normal. You aren't supposed to know everything. I promise you that you will never know everything. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the moments with your friends and family. Learn to enjoy learning for the sake of learning (because not everyone gets this opportunity). Most importantly, LIVE A LITTLE. There's room for success. there's room for mistakes. There's room for victory and defeat. You've made it this far. Things fall into place. Remember your high school self and how confident you were? You'll have that season again. For now, just breathe and enjoy the season you're in now for all it's worth. Don't worry about figuring everything out. You have your whole life for that, and plenty of seasons to go along with it. This is not the season that decides everything. There are so many seasons. This one was made for questions, so own these crazy, exciting, question-filled moments knowing there's also going to be a season for answers.
