Growing up, I hated change—and I'm still not a huge fan of it. The difference is that now, I have come to realize that without change, life would be so incredibly different. Without change, we wouldn't be where we are today. Little changes, such as taking a left instead of a right, being friends with someone new and living in a town can affect one’s life so much.
When I was 12, my parents got divorced. That was the first big change in my life and I took it very badly. In the moment, I felt as if my world was crashing down and that it was the worst thing to happen to me. I now realize that this change affected my life for the better. Both of my parents are amazing and deserve to be happy. Even though it was a huge change, they are still the same great parents that they always have been. They never missed a soccer game, concert, or school event.
When I was 15, my older sister was deployed to Afghanistan for one year. The change of not having my sister around anymore was extremely difficult. I was now the only girl left with my two brothers. Once again, I had to learn to deal with change. This change was not only difficult, but terrifying as well. Instead of being able to call or text my sister when I needed something, I got one poor connection Skype call once every few weeks. Although it was hard and definitely not the place I wanted my sister to be, this change was good for us too. When she arrived home in America the following March, our relationship was stronger than ever.
The next large change I experienced was a common one:leaving home for the first time and going to college. For 18 years, I had been cared for by my parents and my family. At first, I was so incredibly homesick. I missed everything about home and it lead me to regretting my college decision. I was in a pretty low place; all because of this change. The beauty of this change was that it eventually made me mature and even more of an adult. About four months into college, I cannot completely say I have it all down, but I am able to say I am happy with where I am.
Whether change leads you to extreme happiness or extreme sadness, you wouldn't be the person you are today without it. So, when you’re going through a change in your life, think about it positively and try to see the silver lining. Your life is the way it is because of change—good or bad.
