I hear it all the time: do what makes [insert your name] happy. I understood the importance of doing so, but it was difficult. In fact, I didn't exactly know how to do just this. I grew up with superhero parents and a star of a little brother who all taught me more than I could have ever imagined. However, many lessons required personal strength and this was something that I began to learn from personal experiences. It was a process and most definitely one that I am still learning today. It all begins with taking on just the right amount and enjoying life while doing so. You see, for some, relieving stress involves working out, reading, listening to music, or talking to family and friends. For me, it's all of the above and one that I rediscovered during my time with the Odyssey NYU: writing.

As a science major, I love being able to understand the concepts of topics ranging from histone acetylation and enzyme kinetics to binding equilibrium and structure prediction. But, I also love being able to understand what helps me relieve stress, what is happening in our world today, and how my personal experiences are slowly shaping me into the woman I hope to one day become. For the latter, this began with discovering what aspects made me happy. It made me happy to drink warm coffee at home, it made me happy to spend time with inspiring people, it made me happy (slowly, but surely) to learn how to cook, it made me happy to call my family back home, but more importantly it made me happy to know what made me happy.

I had always been one to do what made others happy, however, I learned how to balance this out by turning it into a strength for myself. Depending on the situation, I realized that there are some moments where it is crucial to put others above yourself. But, more importantly, this helped me realize that there are some moments where it is crucial to be a bit selfish and I'll explain why.

It's important to be selfish when it comes to personal time. It is up to you how you want to spend it. As long as it is time spent doing what needs to get done, all is okay. It's important to be selfish when it comes to standing up for your beliefs. It is up to us, as a generation, to stand up for what is right, even if the majority of people around you aren't choosing to do so. It is important to be selfish when it comes to career goals. Where you want to be 10, 20, 60 years from now all depends on right now. It's crucial to not let tomorrow be the new today. Do it today because yesterday you said you'd do it tomorrow so that means today, right? This quote is so prominent in everything I do today.

It's important to fall as many times as possible. But, it's more important to get back up on your feet continuously. I've had a personal experience of feeling like it would be impossible to move forward, but by surrounding myself with positive people, I learned that it's not something I had to do alone. An extremely important takeaway that I hope no one forgets is how CRUCIAL it is to be selfish in order to keep yourself healthy and of course, happy. Don't let personal health become secondary or else everything else you are working toward won't work out in the way that you hope.

It takes one person to make a difference and that person is you. Each day is meant for new experiences and discoveries, so never settle. Reach out and explore. Thank the people in your life for being your biggest fans. Be grateful. Sing as loud as you can in the shower. Never underestimate the power of "I will." Go the extra mile. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Kill them with kindness. Overall, be the person you hope to meet one day and stay strong to who you are. You are so worth it.