Transition Period: Why It's Okay To Not Know What's Next | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Transition Period: Why It's Okay To Not Know What's Next

This is my way of addressing those things - both honestly and truthfully.

11
Transition Period: Why It's Okay To Not Know What's Next
Like Success

"Don't be in such a rush to figure everything out. Embrace the unknown and let your life surprise you."

I'm not sure what I'm doing with my life anymore. You walk into college thinking you're on the course of action you'd had planned all your years of high school, and a short few years later, after spending a summer away, you are in this place of the unknown. Everything you've worked for, the hours you've spent, the amount of work you've put in feels like it's been for nothing. You don't know why you're feeling like this - maybe it's the fact that you're burned out. Maybe you need a pause from the craziness and hectic lifestyle you've found yourself in. Maybe you're overthinking this and it's just a bump in the road on to the path of bigger and better things. But maybe it's none of those things.

Maybe it's your gut telling you that you need a pause - that you need to get away, to find yourself, to truly find what brings you the most amount of joy. And the only way to really achieve this is to get away from the place that is bringing you these doubts. And it's not to say that these doubts are highlighted by others, it's just this little voice in the back of your mind telling you something is off. That something, somehow, feels just a tad off kilter. And you don't quite know why it's there or what plans it has for you, but you're curious. You're scared. You want the answers and you're not getting them, so you look elsewhere. And that curiosity leads you down a different path, one that you're not quite sure will work out.

And that's what this semester has been about - trying to figure my life out. I graduate at the end of April with a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology, after a tumultuous, adventurous, trip-of-a-lifetime four years in the middle of Ohio. These four years have taught me an incredible amount about myself, my career path, my chosen destiny and of course, the scarcity of the unknown.

I'm facing a lot of fear with the upcoming events that are about to take over my life. In the spring semester, I am allowed to do anything I want, basically. I am not required to be on campus, not required to complete another internship (as I already did one this summer), and therefore, it is mine to do with what I please. I've completed all of the graduation requirements, and now I'm at a standstill. I have plans but I don't know if they will come true, so I'm trying to figure out what my life will be like these upcoming months. Will I go home, and be for a semester? Get a normal job and live like that? Will I be in Orlando and make that my new home? Will I go elsewhere?

All of these questions are running through my head, and its hard for me to grapple with the fact that the one person who always had the answers is not here to answer those for me. She's not a phone call away. She's not a text away. I need her to guide me, to help me realize what I'm supposed to do next.

What I'm supposed to be next, essentially.

But maybe that's the learning curve of all this, you know? Maybe I had the experiences this summer to help me push my life forward. It showed me that maybe this wasn't the exact path I wanted to be on, but by keeping forward and graduating with this degree, it'll get me farther in my career than if I hadn't gone for it. I will use this degree in so many ways, and maybe it's helping me to lead me to the path I want to be on - Disney.

Maybe everything I've gone through will lead me to Disney, and lead me to open the door for a beautiful partnership that is just beginning.

And maybe, for you, if you're also scared of what's next, or you're scared for any reason maybe this will also help you - it's okay to not know, to not understand. But that's the point of growing up, to realize things on your own and in your own time. To find what makes you happy and keep that as a goal in mind. To always shoot for the stars, and keep on keeping on.

Life is what you make it, and you're allowed to decide how you get there. On your own terms and in your own way.

Embrace the mess you are, embrace the unknown and don't be fearful of the future.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13511
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5912
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4392
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3869
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments