A Week Until Graduation: Finding Myself and Embracing Change

In just one week, I’ll be walking across the stage to receive my degree—a milestone that seemed so far away when I first started college. As the big day approaches, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that led me here. It’s been filled with twists, turns, and plenty of uncertainty, but it’s also been a time of self-discovery and growth.

Thanksgiving in Tennessee - 2024

The Beginning: More Than Just Academics

When I first set foot on campus, I had this idea of what college would be—hard work, new friends, and an exciting future waiting to unfold. What I didn’t realize was that college would be more than just a series of classes and exams. It was about finding who I really am and what I truly want to do with my life.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to change, to try new things, and to take risks. In fact, I changed my major three times during my college years. At first, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted, but with each shift, I discovered something new about myself. And that’s totally okay. College is not just about finding the perfect path right away—it’s about exploring, experimenting, and being open to growth.

Delta Gamma Formal - Freshman Year

Embracing the Uncomfortable: College as a Time of Change

Let’s be real: college can be uncomfortable. It's a time of stepping outside your comfort zone, challenging your assumptions, and facing new obstacles. There were moments when I felt lost, unsure of whether I was making the right decisions, or if I was even on the right path. But it’s in those moments of discomfort that I learned the most about who I am and what I want. It’s okay to not have everything figured out. In fact, that uncertainty is often where the magic happens.

Changing my major multiple times didn’t feel like a failure; it felt like I was getting closer to understanding what truly excites me. Every new class, new professor, and new experience gave me insight into what I loved and what I didn’t. And the beauty of college is that it gives you the time and space to experiment and figure things out without the pressure of having everything mapped out.

Tennessee vs. Georgia 2021

The People: Building Lifelong Connections

Another gift of college has been the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Whether it was classmates who became close friends, professors who mentored me, or peers who challenged my thinking, the relationships I’ve built have been a huge part of my journey. These connections have not only enriched my college experience but have also helped me grow as a person.

The Challenges: Embracing Growth

Like any journey, college has had its share of challenges. There were moments of doubt, late nights filled with stress, and times when I wasn’t sure if I was making the right choices. But looking back, those tough moments were often the ones where I learned the most. They taught me resilience and helped me build the skills to navigate life’s uncertainties. I’ve learned that failure isn’t the end of the road—it’s just another step in the process of becoming who you’re meant to be.

Senior Year - 2025

The Future: Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As graduation day approaches, I feel a mix of excitement and gratitude. I’m grateful for the journey, for the chance to try different things, and for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. College has taught me that it’s okay to be uncertain and to change course when needed. It’s given me the confidence to embrace discomfort as part of the growth process and to trust that everything will fall into place as long as I stay true to myself.

To anyone about to graduate, or anyone still in the process of finding their path, remember: it’s okay not to have everything figured out. College is a time for exploration, and it’s perfectly fine to try new things, change your mind, and take risks. The journey is just as important as the destination.