In college, there is so much pressure to find yourself. We're supposed to know what we're going to do for the rest of our lives, get good grades, have "the best time of our lives," and, in the end, have it all figured out. At the same time, this is one of the most confusing parts of our life. It's filled with self-doubt and believing that we're making the wrong choices for our futures, doing something wrong, or just not doing whatever we're supposed to and messing it all up. I think that we all have our first "mid-life crisis" in college. We might even have more than one on some occasions. However, in my time of confusion and self-doubt, one celebrity came along who really helped me to deal with this.
Tyler, The Creator is probably best known for his music, antics, or for his membership in what was once called Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (or OFWGKTA for short). None of these things are what I look up to him most for, though. I look up to Tyler because he is completely and unapologetically himself and some of the things that he has said have really resonated with me. On Twitter, in interviews, or on his app, he preaches the same messages.
1. Be yourself, don't be a follower, and do whatever you want that makes you happy. Don't live to impress anyone.
I think that this is really important for everybody to learn. So many people go out in life and get jobs that they think they should get or do something because somebody wants them to. Why? In the end, who's going to be there for you? You are. If you're not happy with yourself and your choices, then what are you? You have to live for yourself and be happy. Nothing is more important than your own happiness.
2. Don't let anyone ever crush your dreams or tell you that you can't do something.
Belief in yourself is one of the most important tools that anyone can have. If you believe that you can do anything, then you can. People are so quick to be discouraged and to think that they can't shoot for the moon when, really, they're holding themselves back. If you can dream it, you can do it.
3. Find your wings.
Everyone deserves to soar in life. People should be able to create, to be happy, and to do whatever they want in life. People should be able to live the best lives possible. I think that's an incredible message. Live your dreams. Follow your heart. Never let anybody tell you that you can't do something. Never be a follower. Do something amazing.
If anybody takes even one of these things to heart, improves their life, and is happier for it, then I think that Tyler and myself would both be happy.
