Living in the 21st century is a wonderful and exciting thing. Rapidly progressing technology has made the modern way of life incredibly easy. At the same time, it's made life stressful and complicated. In today's society, we expect our children to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives at age 18. Sometimes it's as young as 14, in schools where kids' entire high school curriculums are framed around their future careers.

We expect our children to go off to a good, accredited, two or four-year college and emerge with a degree. More importantly, a degree so prestigious that it will land a great job with a great salary. Who cares if they're doing something they genuinely enjoy?

When I was 18, I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. At 21, I still don't know exactly what career path I want to take.

After graduating high school, I didn't take the conventional college route. I was enrolled in a popular state university and excited beyond compare about it. I imagined myself living it up towns away from my parents. Dorm life, student organizations and my major all fascinated me.

To reiterate: when I started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. But I did know what I was passionate about: theater, writing, American History, animals... the list goes on. This list of things I love was something I never lost sight of.

I majored in History because it was something I was passionate about. In that first semester, I realized that this major wasn't for me. I switched to Environmental Science, because I loved animals. Through another series of trial and error (which ultimately ended in my being knee-deep in a swamp taking pH samples,) I realized yet again that the path I chose wasn't the right fit.

A few months into my sophomore year, I had another realization: this university wasn't for me. I'd gone there for the wrong reasons, and I was definitely feeling it. Eventually, I transferred to a two-year technical college, taking some general education classes to keep my scholarship. In the end, I found myself back in my home town, attending a college I swore I'd never set foot in, and majoring in Mass Communications. Hey, at least I was keeping to my list of passions.

Now, I'm still exploring that list. I definitely took the unconventional college route, and you know what? I don't regret a thing. If I had the chance to go back in time, I wouldn't change a thing. Going through this crazy journey has made me the person I am today. I'm so grateful that I wasn't pressured into having it all figured out at a young age.

So here's a tip for teens and parents alike: it's okay to not have it all together. It makes for the most interesting and rewarding of experiences.