With graduation fast approaching, I constantly find myself questioning my preparation, my abilities and what lies ahead of me in the next few months. My University of Dayton education has prepared me for a life of success and happiness, but it never fails that I start to second guess where my life will lead. I have lived a life of love, faith and perseverance, thanks to my family and friends, and know that my past experiences will serve me well in the future, but still, questioning ensues.
I am guilty of thinking with my fears. I sometimes base my decisions on things that I am afraid to do. A life of fear is not something I think I have, yet fear slips in, sometimes in the most inopportune times. I have said that my greatest fear is failure, and while that still holds true, granting myself the permission to fail has become necessary.
Graduation will bring me to a different phase than most of my friends. I have decided to attend graduate school at UD for a fifth year to finish my M.A. in communication research. I was given this opportunity by participating in a five year program through UD's department of communication and am excited at the possibilities. I am sure that graduate school will be drastically different from undergrad work... new roommates, new academic topics, new living situations, comprehensive exams, and a possible thesis. These experiences are all opportunities I have decided to begin and all have the possibility of failure. Growing up means taking risks, and thinking with your mind, rather than hopes, fears and wishes.
Hopes and wishes are great starting places, but ultimately, it is what you know and how you react that will determine your outcome. Staying positive, eliminating unneeded stresses, allowing mistakes, and learning from mistakes are all concepts that I have decided will rule my life in the next 16 or so months, and hopefully beyond.
My current roommates will be moving off into the real world come May, and will too face new experiences. They are all student teaching this semester and will begin to mold the minds of the youth within months. I am so proud of the work they are doing, and sincerely wish they would all teach at the same school, so my future children could have them as teachers. :)
My mom and dad are still working at being empty nesters and obviously new experiences are around every corner for them. They are two peas in a pod and are really reestablishing themselves and their relationship in their "better half of life."
My little brother, who is a curious george if I have ever known one, is a sophomore at Miami University and loves college life. He recently got a new roommates who he has embraced and truly become "buddies" with. He greatly enjoys his classes, and loves the fast pace life he leads. He has gone from high school athlete to college scholar and is embracing the changes.
My long time friend Jill, who just married the man of her dreams this summer, has taken a new job back home, is doing the semi-long distance/part time thing with her husband, and is busy house hunting. With God on her side, she has many new experiences in the near future, and is ready to take them head on.
My boyfriend of almost four years has recently finished college and continues to look for a job that will suit his upbeat and outgoing personality. Through the daily struggles of job searching, "growing up", and dealing with a long distance girlfriend (haha) he has become a different person, from four years ago, whom I am blessed to have in my life.
There are many other people in my life who let their minds rule their behaviors, and I know that with their support the upcoming months of uncertainty will become exciting chapters in my "grown up" story book.
God Bless!
