4 Things They Don't Tell You About Growing Up | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

4 Things They Don't Tell You About Growing Up

Four little things to keep in mind on your journey of adulthood.

387
4 Things They Don't Tell You About Growing Up
Alexa Jenkins

1. It is true that most people only look out for themselves, but keep an eye out for the few good people.

I think it is a stigma not only present in my generation but others as well. Yes, people do have an elevated sense of self-interest becomes it is an innate evolutionary trait. However, I have met some pretty fantastic people that are able to put their self-interests aside in order to help me grow and flourish as a human being. If you have a closed mind towards opening up toward people your entire life you fail on missing out on some pretty awesome and fundamental relationships. In addition, I truly do believe getting hurt by many is worth having real love from a few. Life is hard, people, you can’t get through it alone, so start opening up to the right people, and I promise good things will happen.

2. They say people hate to see you be successful, but they never tell you how ruthless they’ll be in order to tear you down

I know I am still in college and, in many ways, have not exactly experienced certain aspects of the “real world.” However, being heavily involved in the community surround DePauw, as well as many clubs and activities on campus, I have learned that if people feel threatened by you, they will do their best to eliminate that threat. It is important to be confident in who you are as a person, and let their words roll right off your back. What someone says about you does not define you, however how you factor their words into your future decision making does. People are going to say awful things about you, but the reality is giving them a response or any attention at will only feed their fire, as well as waste your time. People will be ruthless, they will try to hit it where it hurts, but at the end of the day when you’re successful and making millions, you won’t care that Becky from way back when spread a rumor about you.

3. You do not need to have your life figured out

I think everyone imagines their life going just about the same way: go to college, get a job with lots of money, start a family, and live happily ever after with your millions. Although it is a nice dream, you don’t need a plan and you don’t need to panic if you don’t have one. I came into college freaking out because it seemed like everyone around me knew what they wanted to do with their lives and I didn’t, in fact, I still don’t, but I have learned that that’s OK. I have been fortunate enough have mentors on this campus, that have had their jobs for years and still admit they aren’t really sure what they want to do with their lives. People are dynamic, the world is constantly changing and as result, it is OK for us to change our minds. The most important thing is that you find purpose in what you are pursuing.

4. You are going to let people down

I think this one is the hardest pill to swallow. I think everyone group up with someone in their life that they looked up to and admired, for whatever reason. I mean, for example, I love my mom and appreciate everything she has done for me, so as a result in a lot of my actions I try to do things that make her proud. I feel bad when I disappoint her, it makes me sick to my stomach, and I think everyone has the figure in their life that they strive to not disappoint. I mean, what’s worse than hearing the D word from the people you value the most? But here's the thing — you can’t avoid it. Growing up means that you are now making your own decisions about what direction you want your life to in, and sometimes not everyone is going to agree with that decision. Yes, in the moment you might feel anxious and upset or even like a failure, but at least you’ll know you made the right decision for you. To be honest, at the end of the day it is important to take consideration the opinion of your mentors, but what you want and feel in your gut is most important.

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

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

866
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

534
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199588
 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

20513
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments