Sometimes, people get lucky and just know what they are meant to do in their time on this planet. If you’re one of those people, I’m happy for you. This world could do with a lot more grounded people: Individuals who appear to those continuously riding the struggle bus, like they’ve got everything held together, doing adult things like taxes and consuming enough vegetables on a daily basis. If you haven’t yet figured it out, I’m not one of those people.

Because of this, I gave up on being a nurse.

I didn’t change my major because I was weak, and if you are thinking of doing the same, neither are you. I changed not because I couldn’t handle the various array of bodily functions that often make prospective nurses run from the field faster than feminists from a Trump rally, or the fear of hurting someone. Not because all of the anatomy, pathophysiology, microbiology, *insert long science course related title here that makes the brain feel like Jell-o*-but because I realized that I didn’t love it as much as I needed to.

I gave up, and by doing this, I learned to be myself.

If you’re reading this, maybe you can relate. Maybe you thought you’d dedicate your life teaching music to children—until you realized that their similarities to gremlins are just too much for you to handle on a daily basis. Perhaps you wanted to spend your days working in engineering until your brain suddenly decided to let you know that it will never have a good relationship with math. For quite some time, I thought that I would spend my life working in hospice, holding the hands and offering words of comfort to those who let me give what I had to offer—until I realized just how hard it was to watch the people who you have grown to love close their eyes for the last time. Whatever—whomever—you thought that you thought that you were meant to become can change just as you do. Who you are is constantly changing, dependent on the moment. You’re ability to grow does not have an expiration date and neither does your potential.

Through all of our experiences, big and small, we grow and develop. Our growth as human beings is a constant and dynamic phenomenon, and oftentimes our essence cannot be contained in the mold that we—and the world around us—thinks that we belong to. In the end, finding our fit may mean that we have to change ourselves. Sometimes, it means to give up on a dream or a goal to become the person that you were created to become. It may mean breaking a promise to a friend, feeling the disappointment of those who you love or falling apart for a little bit. But in the end, you will be stronger and have a better understanding of what you want out of this life.

Every day, I fall deeper in love with Spanish. I love the feeling of pride when I master a new piece of grammar, and the rare moments of pride that radiate from the eyes of my teachers when a conversation goes well. I have started to love history and political science, and actually enjoy watching the news. I love learning about other cultures, and things that seem both strange and beautiful because of my side of the cultural lens. It feels good to have changed my path, and if you’re thinking of doing the same, good for you. Instead of continuing on with something that you question, you’re taking the time to think about the rest of your life and what you want to accomplish with your time.

So here’s to you, oh confused person, whatever age you may be, for the inner battles that you are struggling with to find your purpose. Through all of the tears, the laughter and the epiphanies that come in the moments that you least expect, you are creating yourself. Relish the good, the bad and the ugly. Always remember that you aren’t alone. Hold your head up high, because each day brings you a little closer to discovering why you’re here.