When I first sat down to start writing this column, my brain stopped working. I would get an inspiration and run with it, but I would run out of steam pretty soon after. I must have restarted it at least four times; each time, getting even less accomplished. I changed the topic multiple times and still couldn’t figure it out. It was the worst case of writer’s block that I have ever had; but then I had an inspiration that I thought would last.
I realized something out of my situation, and excuse the corny analogy, but a college student’s life is sort of like my situation with this article. Not quite knowing where to start, and definitely not knowing what to do when they get there. Of course, not all students are like this. Some of them have it all figured out. They know exactly what classes they are taking and what semester they will be taking them in, they know where they are going after TJC and they already have their dream job picked out and a plan to achieve it. These are the ones who will be my bosses some day.
The other group of students don’t have any clue where they are going. It’s not because they’re slacking off, they just haven’t found that one thing yet. They are stuck.
I’ve been stuck for the past four years. I remember my senior year of high school and wondering what I was going to do. The reason I first came to Tyler Junior College was because I didn’t know what I wanted to do, except that I knew I liked acting and writing. So, I decided to become a Journalism and Theatre major. This ended up being one of the best things that could have ever happened to me. I learned an immense amount from the teachers at this school; both in my field of studies and in my core classes. Through being at TJC, as well, I gained valuable experiences that have helped guide me along the path to what I want to become.
I think it is difficult being a college student because everyone expects you to have a plan. Even if they don’t say so and they pull out the whole, “Oh you’re young! You’ve got time,” line. Somewhere in the back of their head they’re thinking that you need to hurry up and figure it out. Maybe that’s just a paranoia I have. I don’t think I’m alone in that, though.
Well, I’m here to tell everyone that it’s okay if you don’t have it figured out. Eventually, you will. It just may take some more time. In the meantime, however, savor what you can. We can spend these years figuring out what path to take and which dreams to pursue. We may change our minds multiple times along the journey, but who cares? In the end, the important thing is to be doing something you love.
So, to all of my fellow students out there who are also stuck; good luck!
