I was staring at the screen of my computer, and I had just finished my who-knows-what number video on “how to write a college essay.” However, I still didn’t know how to write one, nor did I know what I should write about. I had a million ideas, but none of them seemed good enough. Then I thought about everything else college related; I still didn’t know where I wanted to go. It didn’t help that I still didn’t know for sure what career I wanted to go into. I hadn’t even started my Common App, FAFSA, or scholarships. My college applications deadlines of early January were quickly approaching, along with the deadlines of many scholarships I had yet to look into. This entire train of thought was very overwhelming, until I realized something.
Instead of stressing over the college application process, I should instead be grateful that I have this opportunity. Yes, all of these choices and unknowns are overwhelming, but I’d rather have them and be overwhelmed, than not have them at all. The possibility of not getting into the colleges I apply for is scary, but the possibility of not having colleges to apply to is even scarier. Furthermore, there are so many resources out there to help me prepare. The fact that so many people took time out of their day to help future college students with the college application process was honestly heartwarming; it made me feel slightly supported. Then there were the hundreds of emails from colleges sitting in my mailbox. Yes, I was probably on a mass generated email list, but it still made me feel wanted.
Now, this next part is probably slightly weird, but I was also grateful to have the chance to take part in the college application process. I realized that I actually enjoy this time to sit back and evaluate my life. I’m able to look back and be proud of my successes; while also seeing areas I can improve. It has also given me the opportunity to really look into the future. This is one of the few times in my rather short life where my future isn’t laid out for me. Obviously college is probably the ideal step, but I have some control over what college I’ll be attending. I’ll also be in charge of the classes I take and the major(s) and minor(s) I pursue.
As I sat there thinking about my future options, I began to become rather excited over college in general. Yes, the path there might be stressful and college itself will probably also be stressful, but I’m not going to let that stop me from being excited about the next chapter in my life.