Let's just get one thing out of the way, transition periods really suck. College students are especially subject to being swept into the riptide of ambiguity that is young adulthood. A whirlwind of responsibility has rapidly been bestowed upon you but it seems it was not so long ago that you still had to ask permission to use the bathroom. You're faced with staring your childhood ambitions right in the face and questioning their practicality as well as your own ability to translate them into the adult world. There's so much uncertainty during this transition and it's so easy to become overwhelmed by it all.

As children we know ourselves quite well, better than we give ourselves credit for. We're carefree and everything's black and white, therefore we're able to define ourselves quickly and concisely. We know what we like, we know what we want, and that's all there is to it. As we grow into young adults, we allow others to cloud our definition of ourselves. Relinquishing our lighthearted spirit leaves the door wide open for doubt to creep in. When this occurs we become torn between fulfilling our childhood visions and living up to the expectations that come with adulthood. In time, we will learn to strike a harmonious balance between the two. We should try to acknowledge and act upon both aspects of our personalities to an extent. Don't leave that pensive, ambitious child completely in the dust for the sake of practicality, but use responsible judgement to sway your decision making as well.

As young adults going through a transitional phase, we find it hard to focus on the present. Our minds drift back to our fondest memories or wander forward to dream of what our future might hold. You're told time and time again that you're experiencing the most wonderful part of your life, but you can't help but yearn for a rewind/fast-forward button to transport you to a more concrete stage. But what's important to remember is that the present is by far the most important time period. The actions you take today can dictate your every tomorrow. So do what you can today to build a future that you'll be proud of and content with. Create a wholesome, fulfilling life and surround yourself with the things that stimulate your soul. Cherish the sentimental memories that you already have and use them as a template for new ones. Because while the transition period can really suck, there is something truly beautiful about becoming who we are.

"The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place." -Barbara DeAngelis