I've lived in the South my entire life, so I am fully aware of the standard "normal" people in my town expect. Most girls find some guy to date and eventually marry (usually right after graduating high school), and start popping out babies as soon as they can. I am definitely not trying to knock anyone's way of living, and if you're happy, that's all that matters. But it's not for me... I want more.

Getting an education is so important to me, and I'll never understand people who don't have the drive to learn. I'm determined to have a successful career someday, and that means that school has to come first. The best part about college is that it's a time to truly find yourself. Even though things haven't gone exactly the way I planned, I'm still getting the "college experience" and making memories with friends that will last a lifetime.

Let's talk about soulmates for a second. Do you honestly believe that the random person you met who lives 10 minutes from your house is your soulmate? I really don't; settling for someone is one thing, but lying to yourself is another. The person you're meant to be with could live on the other side of the world, but you'll marry whoever offers first? No thanks.

I want to travel. Think about how big the world actually is, and you'll realize how little you've actually seen. I want to experience life and live while I'm alive. I want to see and do things I never have, and I will never tolerate someone telling me that I can't.

Read next: From The Girl Ready To Settle Down At 20

Of course, one day in the future, I want a husband and kids — but not by the time I'm 22. Some people are perfectly fine with staying in the same town, getting married and having kids without ever really experiencing life. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, I'm just saying that there is so much more out there. Rushing your life is like speeding up to get to a stoplight faster.