I Am Not Falling Behind | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

I Am Not Falling Behind

I may not be in the same place as everyone else, but I am where I am meant to be.

17
I Am Not Falling Behind
Kate Louse Powell

I have spent this entire semester learning. Not learning from books or classes, although I've done that too, but learning about who I am. Here I am about to break into my twenties, college student, employee, and generally running around like a chicken with my head cut off to keep up with my obligations. Looking at my life I can find where my hard work has paid off. I can plan for my future, and know my goals with every intention of reaching them. I am truly happy. I'm proud of my ability to grow where I have chosen to plant myself.

The stigma around the early twenties is that you find the love of your life, get engaged, plan a wedding,start having kids, get a degree,and then jump into "real life." And don't misunderstand my attitude here, I think that all of those are beautiful and wonderful things. I have had that mindset for a long time. That was my life plan for so many years, and I won't ever discourage or look down on anyone that finds themselves on that path. I am in full belief that you can have all of that together by 23. But as my semester has gone on, I have made the decision that I don't need to shoot for all those goals at the same time. There is nothing wrong with getting married at 20 or getting a degree at 30, or vise versa. You are not obligated to meet any timeline, and don't be pressured into meeting those expectations.

For the past few weeks I have noticed the startling number of former classmates and friends making all of those "big life dreams" a reality. I've seen so many engagements, babies are all over my social media timelines, so many are becoming college graduates, and I couldn't think of anything better to be watching unfold in so many lives. I celebrate these exciting seasons right along with them.

Seeing all those events always makes me very introspective. I can look at where I stand, 19, no plan of marriage any time soon, two more years of school, and a whole lot of growing to do. And more often than not I find that I'm tearing myself down. Why am I not planning every single aspect of my life? Why am I not graduating sooner? What did I do to look like a failure? Do my former classmates look at me like I'm falling behind?

It is so easy to look at your life in comparison to the big events in others lives. But don't forget to remind yourself that not all lives play out the same way. Not everyone is able or wanting to go to college right out of the gate after high school, that's okay. Don't let this society tell you what matters. You are no less of a person. The same goes for anyone that decided college wasn't for them after a semester. You are no less of a person, and your intelligence is not grounded in the opinion of those looking for validation in their own misery and struggle as they try to make through another semester. Whether you feel like you're behind in school, or romance, or in the career field, take a step back.

Life isn't a competition of who can hit all the goals first. It's an adventure. No two adventures are the same, if they were we wouldn't have any fun. Rejoice where you are planted. Learn to love your situation because there is a purpose, even if you feel like you are simply treading water. You are exactly where you need to be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189826
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14668
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457663
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26525
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments