All of us want to know exactly where we’re going, what we’re doing and how to get there-- as if the road maps we each carry contain concrete and definite routes to our ultimate destination.

Back in grade school, the focus was on what you want to do when you grow up, then in high school it's all about where you want to go to college, and then in college it's all about what you want to do with your life and where will you see yourself in the next five, 10 and even 15 years. It has been drilled into our minds from a very early age that we must have a set direction if we want to be successful, and never leave the future up to chance.

I used to stress about what I should major in or what I should do after college, and although I still attempt to answer these questions, I am content not knowing exactly what I will be doing or where I will be going. The likelihood is that something unexpected will present itself that is much better than anything I could have drawn up in my mind.

While it is still important to be a go-getter and pursue your aspirations, take a back seat once in a while and relax knowing that things will work out as they should.

I am still coming to terms with the most recent change to my road map and the path I will ultimately explore next year as I set upon a full year of study in Edinburgh, Scotland. The chance of having this opportunity was something I hoped for, but could never have predicted. So, I just took one step at a time, hoped for the best and then became humbly surprised when I was awarded this once in a lifetime opportunity.

I have now realized that there is no point in stressing over things we cannot control because the only thing that results from this is more uncertainty and doubt. The energy you are wasting worrying could be used to better yourself in the moment because if something is supposed to happen, then it will happen based on the work and diligence you have already put in.

This relates to any track race because it is only natural to get nervous beforehand, but if you can remind yourself that you have put in the work and done the necessary sprints and mileage you needed to be in shape for this moment, then you’ll realize that you are and have always been ready.

Stress is just our fear of the unknown, the fear that you won’t pass that exam, the fear you will mess up in the Conference match, or the fear that you won’t have the job you wanted after graduation. While there will always be things we stress about, take some comfort in the fact that it is OK not knowing where you are going, or what you will be doing even a week, month or year down the line. Take in everything around you, rather than focusing intently on the daunting steps in front of you.

Don’t hesitate or over-analyze an opportunity before it happens. Take risks, and accept challenges even if they force you off your current path because they are bound to set you on one you will never look back on. Jump right in and know that even when it seems tough or challenging, you will always land strongly and proudly on your own two feet.