Since middle school, I have dreamed of attending college. I would research colleges online as early as twelve years old. I couldn’t wait for the day I could finally study writing and live in a city. No matter the hardship, I would remind myself of the good that was coming.
I am proud to say that college has lived up to my expectations. I love that I am no longer confined to seven-hour school days and can make my own schedule. I love that I can choose what I study and have creative freedom. I love that I am meeting people from all over the country and exploring a new place.
I have so many opportunities at my fingertips, even if they can be stressful. Over the past three months, there have been difficult moments. There have been instances where I only wanted to drive home or call my parents and cry over a grade. Honestly, this is the first time in my entire life that I have been challenged academically.
You would think this would change my opinion on upper education. You would think I would want to quit, but somehow I don’t. Even when I am at a mental breaking point, I am genuinely so thankful for this season of life. There is a part of me that thrives in work. Not only do I want to prove to everyone around me that I am capable, but I want to prove it to myself. That twelve-year-old girl knew what she wanted. She knew this was right where I needed to be.