It is important to lose yourself.

Going to college is such a radical change from the life you are used to. You are no longer restrained by the strict rules your parents set and you may come and go as you please without telling anyone where you’re going. You don’t even have to raise your hand and ask permission to go to the bathroom. Everything you do in college is because you decide to do it, hence why many students tend to lose themselves, especially in their first year.

This is completely OKAY. While many people associate the idea of “losing yourself” with a negative connotation, it is simply natural to stray from your usual path. I believe it is important to stray from your path so you can step outside of your comfort zone and push the limits. Some people are so frightened by this idea and I will admit I was one of them at one point in my life. It wasn’t until I went to college where I strayed from my path, but in hindsight, losing myself for a good part of my first year of college was probably the most uplifting thing I have ever done.I know, it doesn’t make any sense how not acting like yourself can possibly be uplifting. In fact, it’s a complete oxymoron, but I promise you gain a new perspective you wouldn’t be able to get any other way.

Find a way to push those limits, go out and do something absolutely crazy that you would NEVER do (in moderation, nothing illegal). Go to that party or walk up to a complete stranger and say hi, try out for the sport team you always wanted to play, join a club that doesn’t have any of your friends in it, spend a little extra cash every once in awhile, eat that banana split all by yourself, I dare you. Whatever it is, just do it so you force yourself to step outside this safe little bubble you created and llet yourself go.

While many people believe high school is the time you find yourself, I believe college is. College is the time where you don’t have any outside influences like parents, teachers, peers or siblings who can have any input in what defines you. YOU get to finally decide who you are all by yourself.

However, it is extremely important that after some time exploring this new world outside of your little bubble you are able to reflect on how you feel. Perhaps while you stepped outside your comfort zone you discovered a new passion, maybe you even found a side of yourself you never knew you had. Conversely, maybe you figured out that partying every day of the weekend is just not your thing; or you may have realized you are not a social butterfly and are totally content with watching a movie and hanging out with a few close friends.

The most valuable lesson we can take from all of this is that we must lose ourselves in order to realize who we are down to the core. It enlightens us to discover who we are, without opinions of others, and being perfectly happy with it. Most importantly, don’t be afraid!