During my senior year of high school, I struggled to find the drive to determine what the next step in life was for me. I eventually applied to a handful of colleges, with a particular one in mind. After I received my acceptance letter from this university, I became so eager and optimistic about my new upcoming journey.

I distinctly remember sitting in math class one afternoon, which was taught by one of my favorite teachers. He was known as "the cool guy" who everyone loved and viewed as a mentor. As he went to pass my desk, I turned to him and told him about my acceptance into my number one university and my plan to attend that upcoming fall. Without a second thought or the realization of how much his reaction would stick with me forever, he looked at me and replied, "Why would you want to go there? You're way too smart for that."

Once college came, I struggled to find the exact career I wanted to pursue. I teetered back and forth between many majors — nursing, teaching, and psychology, just to name a few. I eventually came across my major and absolutely fell in love. Everything I learned was so interesting and fascinating. I never, for a second, felt as if it was "work" or a tedious task. It became my passion.

Enthusiastic about my decision and my newfound love for my studies, I was thrilled to tell just about everyone about my selection. However, my responses were nothing as I expected. Many people were extremely happy for me, while others responded with comments like "Are you sure?" and "You know, people who do that really don't make too much money."

After a year or so of college, I decided that I should follow another one of my dreams and sign up to go through sorority requirement. It was one of the aspects of college that I was most excited about and I figured that I should do it before it was too late. I didn't want to regret not taking part in such an experience. After a long week filled with endless conversations and hard decisions, I was overjoyed with my choice in my sorority.

I shared my exciting news all over social media and eventually, it got around to my family, friends, and acquaintances. Yet again, the feedback was nothing as expected. Many expressed their concern for my decision. Many said that it would "distract me from my schoolwork and what's really important."

Throughout these experiences, I have learned one extremely important life lesson: The only person who experiences your life first-hand is yourself. Your own happiness, thoughts, and opinions come before anyone else's. If your life choices make you happy but concern someone else, who cares? It is YOUR life. They are YOUR choices. It is YOUR happiness.

I have learned that you will never escape negative people. There will always be those who speak about topics they're not well informed about. There will always be someone who tries to steal your thunder and excitement. It's all about how you choose to handle the situation. Shake it off, keep your head high, and keep going towards your goals and dreams. Don't dwell on pessimistic people and the negativity they try to bring you.

At the end of the day, I absolutely love my university, regardless of what anyone has to say about it. My program was just ranked one of the top one-hundred programs in the country. My sorority has given me some of the most incredible experiences and has blessed me with the most successful, passionate, and driven young women that I am lucky enough to call friends.

So when someone comes up to you with a smile on their face and they're jittering with excitement as they tell you what is new and exciting in their lives, make sure you think before you respond. Be happy for them, even if their choices wouldn't be your choices. If an experience brings someone joy, that should be enough for you to accept and be proud of.