When we are little we often have an idea of what our life should be like when we get older. Wether this be that you imagine becoming a doctor, a chef, lawyer or getting married and having children, we all definitely had a set idea of what would happen to us. On top of this, we often had a set timeline in our head as to when we should accomplish things by. I know when I was younger that I definitely thought I was going to have my first boyfriend by age 14, was going to be a teacher, attend college in New Hampshire and get married by the time I was 24.

Needless to say, none of this happened to me, not even in the slightest. I'm currently 21 years old, pursuing a degree in public relations and journalism, going to school in New York and have not found the love of my life yet nor do I think I will be ready to marry by the time I'm 24.

Just because my life isn't what I thought it would be, doesn't mean I'm disappointed by any means. Sure there are some things I wish that turned out for the better or maybe not have even happened at all. But isn't that what life is all about? The unexpected twists and turns, the ups and downs? I think they make life a little more interesting and worthwhile. I think everything in life, the good the bad and the ugly, all have a beautiful meaning and message behind it.

I've experienced the worst of life and the best of it. I've experienced death more than any 21-year-old should have. I have cried and wept with friends and classmates as we've had to say goodbye to our very own peers. I've had people in my life who I thought would be there forever but instead walked out of my life without any good reason. I've experienced how much addiction can hurt a family and that sometimes those wounds don't fully heal.

On the flip side, I've experienced some of the most beautiful moments of life. I've created friendships with some of the most beautiful people in the world. I know what it's felt like to be loved. I've been blessed to travel the world on my own and experience all of the wonderful creation that God has made. I have the opportunity to wake up each and every day to continue my education and to learn more about myself and about the world. I have laughed until I cried and smiled so hard until my face began to hurt. And most important, I've learned how to love myself.

Between all the ups and downs throughout my life, I couldn't be more grateful for every single thing that happened to me. Sitting in my college dorm room, I could of never imagined my life like this. I never imagined that my life could be filled with so many beautiful people and so many smiles, laughter and love. Every good and bad thing in life has taught me an invaluable life lesson. All of my unexpected life experiences have made me stronger as a person, made me realize my self worth and made me realize how beautiful life truly is.

My life isn't what I thought it would ever be, it is so much better than I could of ever imagined. I'm happy that I've experienced all of those ups and downs because they have made me into the person I am today. I'm excited to see what life throws me next, even if it's something I wouldn't ever expect.