Go | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Go

To all of us who have let others influence our decisions and, consequently, our paths

8
Go
Twitter

I was supposed to go to college. I was supposed to graduate with a degree in communications. I was supposed to get a job doing what I love. I was supposed to work my way up and eventually have the financial stability to take care of my mom later in life. I was supposed to be a role model for my little brother. I was supposed to do everything according to my mothers plan for me.

But that's now how I wanted my future to be. That's not the vision I had for myself.

I don't think there is a "right" way to live. There is no "right" way to get to where you want to go and there is no "right" way to do what you want. There is only your path. There is only what you're willing to do. There is only what you push yourself towards and flee from.

My life was given to me. I was blessed to live in a great home. I never worried about food, water, shelter. I never worried about having clothes for school, the books I needed/wanted. I never questioned whether my family was okay--as a matter of fact I wasn't even fully aware of the various other ways people lived.

I, naively, assumed everyone was the same as me.

Now, now I know.

Our lives aren't meant to be this spectacle for others entertainment--yes sometimes shit happens and we end up being the talk of the neighborhood, our friend group, the school, or whatever it may be. But our lives are for us to live.

Each of us--individually.

It's not for our parents to decide for us.

It's for us to decide what way we take down our path. If we want to go under the questionable bridge where a troll possibly lives--well that's up to us. If we want to go the path that everyone else has taken, then so be it. Regardless, it's up to our individual selves to choose.

We are our own sun.

Our parents gave us life and we thank them for that, but they do not know what we are destined for--we barely know what we're destined for.

Therefore, experience life. Don't live the way someone is telling you. Don't succumb to the norm. Be true to yourself but have experiences.

* Go out at 4 am with your friends and do something simple or crazy.

* Be crazy

* Make spontaneous decisions

* Be weird

Just be yourself. Our lives--they're complicated and most of the time a little unpleasant. So give yourself some excitement. Give yourself something to remember--something to smile about when the skies in your world turn black. Let those memories guide the light back to you. Let the spontaneity, the crazy, the weird, be your guide.

Your guide that leads you a little further down your path of destiny.

I've been without a home for 5 months. I've lived out of my car, I've showered at the Y, I've brushed my teeth while driving to work, I've slept in parking lots, I've met random people at 3 am, and every day I've learned something new about myself. Every day I've learned that life is gonna suck sometimes. It's gonna kick your ass. Life has tried kicking my ass for 5 months now, but for the last 5 months, I've persevered; I'm stronger, smarter, and I recognize the potential that every person has within them.

Make your own path, forget what the people have told you.

Go.

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

Everyone has insecurities, that's just a fact. You didn't ask to be born this way. You didn't ask to inherit the one trait no one else in your family has. And you definitely didn't ask to be this ghostly white. But as soon as you've learned to live with it for a while (less wrinkles later on in life, right? right???) someone has to ruin it for you. They have to flaunt they're perfectly tanned body from Spring Break and hold their sun-kissed skin against yours. But I've had enough... here are the things that perpetually pale individuals are tired of hearing.

Keep Reading...Show less
music sheet

Being a music major is not all kicks and giggles. In fact, there are days when I question my sanity and doubt myself as a musician. I know I am not the only one going through the struggle, and so here are 13 GIFs that I know my fellow music majors can relate to...

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

8 Stereotypes Sorority Girls Are Tired Of Hearing

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

520
Sorority Girls
Verge Campus

Being a part of any organization undoubtedly comes with the pitfalls of being grouped into negative stereotypes, and sororities are certainly no exception. Here are the top few things, that I find at least, are some of the most irritating misconceptions that find their way into numerous conversations...

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

Well all those fundraisers and marketing should would be a waste then wouldn't they?

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1610
kids in pool

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl thinking
thoughtcatalog.com

There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments