If you're reading this, you're most likely a college student or in your 20s. Probably both, and as part of our generation, I have an important message that directly contradicts probably everything else you've ever read or heard: You are not what you do. You are not your job. You are not how successful you are in life, you are not how much money you have in the bank, and you are not how many degrees you have under your belt.

Now, what does that mean? You may be confused because, let's face it, we've been told since we were small that what we do with our lives is exactly who we are. Probably from the age of 4 or 5, you've been asked the question, What do you want to be when you grow up? Notice, of course, not what you want to do, but what you want to be relates to your job. We're not talking about growing up to be kind, honest, brave, empathetic, strong-willed, confident -- no. In our society, there's an emphasis on our jobs and our careers. Yes, jobs are extremely important -- we need them to provide for ourselves and our loved ones, to gain certain skills that are beneficial in life, and to have something to occupy our time when not resting.

But that's just it. Jobs are important -- but they're necessary for most, nothing more. While we all want jobs we love and careers that will help us leave our mark, and we've been told that's what's important, it's just not feasible. Not everyone can go to school for four years and become an artist. Not everyone can go to medical school and become a doctor. In our country, not everyone is allowed to follow their dreams and not everyone can afford to go to college, for various reasons -- but nonetheless, following your dreams is pushed onto everyone. The effects on those who can't reach for their dreams, on those who aren't sure what they want to do, are crippling.

I can't tell you how many times I've had to reassure friends that it's OK to not know what you want to do, and how many times I've had to comfort those who are scared that they'll be looked down on by society because they're not being a "functioning member of society," whatever that means. It's OK that you're still trying to figure out who you are and what you like at the age of 20 -- heck, even at the age of 40. It's also OK if you never figure it out if you never have that spark that some people get when they think about their career goals. This idea that we should know what we want and where we want to go in life by the age of 16 remains detrimental to a lot of people.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Wealth and success don't make you happy. After going through some hard times recently, I can definitely comment on the issue. Obviously, I'm not ignorant enough to say that money doesn't matter at all -- of course, it does. Money is important, but what's really important? Spending time with those you love. Enjoying the small moments and small pleasures that give you joy in life. And if you find a job that allows that while at work as well -- great! But if not, you'll be OK.

We all have moments of doubt. I know I've had moments where I wonder why I'm in college, why I'm getting a degree worth thousands that may or may not guarantee me a job. But guess what. I love it. I love college. I love learning, I love interacting with new people who challenge my viewpoints on life. I also recognize that I'm one of the blessed few who actually have the chance to get the education I deserve. I recognize that I'm privileged to have parents that encouraged me to succeed. I recognize that I'm privileged to be able to get the help to pay for school. And I recognize that I wanted to go to school -- and wasn't forced to or unable to go. And that's what's important.

So take it day by day. Play with your baby niece. Have fun with your friends. Take a day for yourself to play video games or finish that book you've been dying to get to. I won't say don't stress because stress is a normal part of life. But remember: If you're lost, if you don't know what you want in life, if you can't get there yet, you'll find your way. And maybe, just maybe, you've already found your place in life.