One of the hardest choices we make in our young lives is what college to attend or to attend one at all. While college isn’t for everyone, those who decide to go have the challenging choice of where to go.

I am probably one of the most indecisive people that I know. Now, I have been working on this quality of mine, but it isn’t always easy. We all weigh the options of colleges because we don’t want to pick the wrong place for the next four years. I think that I found a little peace when I realized that if the college I chose wasn’t right, I could change. I could pack up and switch whenever I needed to. I wasn’t bound to one college the way that I may have felt years ago if I had to make this choice. So one day, I chose the college that seemed right for me. The one that could be temporary but it could be permanent. I wasn’t sure what it would be but it was a starting place. A starting place that I was going to get my feet wet in all of this “college” business.

What I didn’t realize before coming to this college was that I think I could have found a home at any of the colleges I was looking at. I could have made friends, I could have done well in classes, and I could have found what I was looking for at any college. Ultimately, it’s okay if you’re scared to make the wrong choice because in the end, it won’t be the wrong choice. Let’s pretend that you do choose a college and you feel like there is a place that could service you better, you still gained knowledge and friendships at that original college. It is all part of your journey and story.

I know that it’s a big choice but I don’t think that it is one to let consume you. I waited as long as I could to pick my college and now I am so glad with the college I chose. I see so much opportunity and friendship at the college that I attend. I wouldn’t trade the friends I’ve made so far for anything, but I know that other colleges would have provided friendships that I could appreciate too. Luckily, I have met some pretty good people here at college just by putting myself out there and being willing to invest in those friendships. Pick the school that makes the most sense for you. Throw out all of those pre-consumed ideas that you have to have a certain feeling to know which college you want to go to.

Follow your passion and your heart and you’ll always end up where you need to be. And never forget that it’s okay to change paths. It’s okay to not have it figured out. I’ll be the first one to tell you that. One moment you were raising your hand to speak and walking outside for fire drills in a single file line and the next moment you are living on your own and deciding your future. I am about to start my second semester as an exploratory student, I chose a college last minute, and I don’t have it all figured out. In fact, I think that I am always just figuring life out as I go. Don’t be afraid to just dive into life. That is part of the fun. Don’t stress about these choices, make this life experience the best that you can.