Figure it Out as I Go — Note From a 22 Year Old Girl
Freshly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hand, I was brimming with confidence. I was certain for my plan — one that I was certain would lead me to where I wanted to be. Life, however, had other ideas. It turns out, nothing is truly certain, not even the promises we so desperately cling to. The world I envisioned in my mind wasn’t as straightforward as I had hoped. But through this uncertainty, I began to uncover the profound value of self-awareness and resilience.
Rejections built resilience. Every “no” I received felt like a personal failure at first, a dull ache that lingered in my heart. Yet, with every rejection, instead of growing stronger which is a boring-polished word, I would say I grew numb to it. What once seemed like a painful setback turned into a lesson, teaching me not just about perseverance, but about my capacity to adapt. Life isn’t a straight path; it’s a winding road filled with detours and surprises. Embracing this helped me shift my mindset from self-pity to self-discovery.
This might be another boring sob tale — a newly minted adult, lost and trying to navigate the chaos of early adulthood. But then, I remind myself of something important: where I am now doesn’t define who I’ll be in the future. “Do what you can do” became my mantra. I may not know the specifics of what lies ahead, but I know: I was created for something greater than this.
Ad Maiora Natus Sum — We are born to aim for greater things.
Yet, the question lingers, what is “this”? What is “greater”? And is it true that one path in life is inherently better than another?
Through self-awareness, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty rather than fear it. I’ve come to understand that having an end goal is vital. Life is fluid, ever-changing, and full of unpredictability. A rigid plan often becomes a recipe for frustration. By keeping my aspirations big and general, I’ve found the freedom to adapt, to grow, and to explore paths I never would have considered before as long as it drives you towards my end goal.
Growing up, I dreamed big. I envisioned myself pursuing higher education at Harvard or Stanford, convinced that these names held the key to greatness. But as I matured, harsh realities began to chip away at my confidence. I began to doubt myself and, even worse, my dreams. Was I being greedy for wanting so much? Was I truly capable of becoming someone destined for greatness? Self-awareness helped me confront these doubts head-on. It taught me that the world is vast, and the idea of being the “best” at something is, more often than not, an illusion. The labels we place on ourselves can be limiting, blinding us to the infinite of opportunities that surround us.
I’ve come to accept that I may not be extraordinary in the way society defines it. But what does that even mean? The measure of greatness isn’t fixed; it’s personal. I’ve realized that my worth isn’t tied to titles, accolades, or achievements. It’s about the person I strive to become, the values I hold, and the impact I make whether it’s big or small.
Self-awareness is a lifelong journey. It’s not a destination but a process of continually asking ourselves hard questions and daring to seek the answers. Through it, I’ve learned to honor my dreams while remaining open to change. I’ve found resilience in the face of rejection, clarity in moments of doubt, and courage to move forward despite the uncertainties of life.
As I continue navigating this unpredictable journey, I remind myself of one truth: I may not always know where I’m going, but I’ll always know who I am.
