Think about the last time something went exactly as planned with no problems. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to pin point a time, but if your life is anything like mine you won’t be able to because nothing seems to ever truly work out the way you think it’s supposed to right? Wrong. Let’s back track, the way you think it’s supposed to, that phrase alone speaks for itself. Too many people, myself included, get a plan in our head and if said plan happens to take a detour or doesn’t follow the script we get all out of sorts. Well, I’m here to tell you that I understand the frustration, but it will be okay, I promise.

Those annoying bumps in the road are called life, and trust me it doesn’t slow down, you just learn to deal with it better. Through every disappointment, let down, or unsuccessful attempt there is always something to be learned. All you can do is reevaluate, regroup, and revise. Sometimes you won’t always get the job, the role, or even the grades that you wanted (unless your name is Julia Dorsheimer) but if you are able to look back and know that you did every single thing you could have done and it still didn’t work out then that just means it’s not for you, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you look back and there is something you could have done a little better, well now you know for the next attempt. Just because you didn’t hit every mark you thought you were going to along the way to meet your goal does not mean your goal is unachievable.

Things have a funny way of working out, and not being where you thought you would be doesn’t mean you’re not where you’re supposed to be. I’m a strong believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason because it’s true. Every single thing that has happened to me thus far in my life has been for a reason. I have experienced success and accomplishments, but I’ve also seen failure and disappointment, and both have taught me my strengths and my weaknesses. The only way you can fail is if you don’t try or you give up. When something gets in the way of what you want you have to find a way to work around it or you take a step back and assess the situation. Having to take a few extra steps to reach your goal is not the end of the world. I learned this rather quickly my first semester of college.

I’m a science major, and it is really hard, and time consuming, but I love it. It’s okay to set goals that sometimes come with setbacks as long as you’re loving the journey, which I am. The problems I’ve encountered just this year have taught me so much about life and myself. I used to be someone who didn’t know what to do or how to handle it when something unexpected happened, I mean the first time my car broke down I couldn’t even breathe, but now I can honestly say that I have learned that there are way more important things in life than a few curveballs. I’m a better and stronger person for some of the unfortunate things that have happened to me and in a way I am thankful for them. Some of the things that seemed like the end of the world at the time actually benefitted me in the long run as I met people, and got involved with things I otherwise would not have gotten the opportunity to had my original plans not been altered. I am at a point in my life right now where I am genuinely happy and excited for the rest of my journey. I know that there will always be bumps in the road, but I’ll deal with them as they come.