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| College bound! |
Several of my Seniors are at that point in their life, waiting for the one decision that will supposedly allow them to enjoy the rest of their senior year or ruin their lives. I've heard the "please-I-need-an-A-or-I-won't-get-in-to-__________" more than enough times this year, only to break their hearts because sorry, you just really didn't deserve the A.
It's not that I'm not sympathetic, I was them at one point in my life. Wondering if everything I did in the past 4 years was good enough. Wondering if the relationships I made with my teacher were good enough for a glowing recommendation, wondering if the relationships I made with my friends were good enough to make it through college.
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| Senior year, I was 30+ pounds heavier, and couldn't run more than two miles. |
Luckily, it worked out for me and hopefully several of my students have been able to spend the day celebrating. But I know that for so many, it won't. So what do you tell the ones that just had a multi-year dream crushed by a signed letter from someone they don't even know?
My answer: Your life in 9 years will be far different than what you could have planned or imagined. Maybe one day you'll do something completely different than your major. Maybe one day you'll become an aunt/uncle to the two (yes, two! starting 3/2014) cutest girls imaginable. Maybe one day you'll become an Ironman. You'll never stop wondering if you're good enough, because if you stop wondering, then you've stopped trying.
With the new year coming, many people are pressed for a fresh start. Resolutions are created and announced, only to be broken at some point throughout the year. Instead, I ask people to surprise themselves. Do something your 9 years ago self couldn't imagine seeing yourself do today. I've tried that for a few years now, and it's turned out pretty great.
Happy holidays and have a great new year. Don't forget to dream big. I'll be back next year!
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| Can't you tell life is pretty great right now? |
