My second year of college has begun, and I’m still reminiscing about the past. The memories are too good to pass by, especially after meeting up with my roommates again. In fact, sadly enough, I missed my experience to the point where summer felt miserable. College isn’t for everyone, but it was the high point in my life. It gave me a reason to keep going, to keep pursuing what I loved, and to interact with individuals who made an impact on my life, whether good or bad.

As the fall term approaches, I’ve had some thoughts about my transition from my first year to my second year. I remember my feelings of nervous excitement for “smart kid schooling.” I had just assumed college was infinitely harder than high school. I accepted the rumors, stories, and warnings as facts. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that; it’s all part of the learning process.

There are several general aspects of the human lifestyle that were affected during my own learning process at college, which changed how I think:

Identity

College introduced me to the reality of what it means to be independent. It gave me life’s first taste beyond the bounds of ignorance and sheltered mindsets. During my first year, I was attempting to figure out who I wanted to be. Who could I identify with? Through thick and thin I have come to acknowledge my differences. With my second year nearing the corner, I cannot offer what my identity wants in place of what it already has and doesn’t need.

Purpose

Secondly, I was so caught up on my own desires for a fulfilling life. I stuck my belief in the idea that I was destined to be a great influential writer. Even so, I spent more time dreaming than pursuing. A series of circumstances and interactions with some of my college friends changed that dream. I realize that I’m better off living according to God’s purpose for the world. I look toward His work through me to influence others.

Direction

Thirdly, I found it difficult to know what the future had in store for me. I’m still in that zone, but I’m trusting in God’s guidance, regardless of the outcome. It doesn’t matter to me what direction I’m headed as long as I have a purpose.

Priorities

My priorities fall short because of my irresponsible procrastination. This has always been a problem for me in the past and even more so during my first year. Nevertheless, it made for an interesting experience, one full of stress and success. I now acknowledge the problem and accept the challenge to prevent such an academic atrocity.