The Face In The Mirror
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Face In The Mirror

Brief thoughts on the process of self-discovery

101
The Face In The Mirror
New Scientist

Most of us go off to college hoping to find our "true self." It's a great goal - understanding who you are, what drives you, and where you want to be in the far future is a step everyone has to take at some point. We talk about facing ourselves, our fears, our shortcomings, and anything life decides to throw at us on a given day.

For some of us, however, finding our "true self" isn't the doorway to inner peace and success we'd like it to be. It could even be the opposite.

I left for college with high hopes that I would discover who I was meant to be. From that point onward, my life became a balancing act - I had to find the space in my schedule for academics, for a social life, and for the things that helped me recharge my mental batteries - studying and writing about Beowulf is pretty great, but if it's between that and a game of Smash Bros with friends, then you'd better pass me the controller. Three years later, I'm still trying to find the magic formula that will help me live a balanced, healthy life and I suppose that's normal.

Imagine my shock when the "true self" I went off to find at college started looking more and more like the realization of my worst fears.

The person I started to become during my first year at college was a complete mess and I can't say that it wasn't my fault. Most of my failures and character flaws come from poor personal choices; even if I didn't open the door, I chose to step through it. Oddly enough, it was as if my terror at the thought of turning into some cheap knock-off of my parents was pushing me along the path to become just that. To paraphrase a popular and often-overused philosophical quote, when you try to fight the monster, you're more likely to become the monster, and then your life starts to sound like that 1,500-word essay you just wrote on Beowulf a week earlier.

Balance is hard to find, and that's putting it lightly. Doing the math in your head to figure out how many hours you should study versus how many hours you should play is great in theory, but when put into practice, planning it out will only get you so far. The rest is up to you - your choices determine who you are and what sort of face you're going to see when you look in the mirror. If you wake up one day and realize you're not the person you wish you could be, choose to make a change. You are the catalyst for all of the possible futures that await you.

Talk to your friends. Meet with a counselor. Take walks to clear your head. Read the books you've been meaning to read for the past year or two. In the search for your truest self, just remember - you get to face yourself on your own terms.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70826
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132435
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments