A Word in Favor of Winging It | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Word in Favor of Winging It

Apparently, no one really knows what they're doing.

42
A Word in Favor of Winging It
Google Images

Last September, at the age of 18, I moved half way across the country to start college. I had been to the campus once a year before and experienced a few short conversations with my new roommate. I knew three people in the state and I was terrified.

The summer preceding my giant, life-changing, holy-crap-this-is-huge-what-have-I-done move, I spent a great deal of time worrying about how I could possibly just pick up my life, drop it in a completely foreign place and keep going like it was no big deal. I asked the people around me how they had done it. After several of my friends told me the same thing, I finally understood: no one really knew.

No one had a solid grip on what they were doing, they were just…winging it. They were just figuring their lives out as they went along with the occasional long-term decision when it was required. And if I didn’t want to drive myself crazy with worrying, that was what I was going to have to learn to do too.

Now obviously, this was not the first time I had experienced the idea of “winging it”. I had, like anyone else, winged many a math test (0/10 would not recommend), college interview, and adventure. But this was the first time I realized that people winged such drastic portions of their lives.

To be honest, winging my entire move and subsequent new life felt like a really bad plan. It was also the only plan I had, aside from dropping out of school and becoming a pirate. So, I went with it. And to my infinite surprise, it couldn’t have gone better.

I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, so nothing could actually go wrong. I could just accept things as they came, and see where they led me. I was still nervous, naturally, but I realized that it would get easier.

As the days turned into weeks and I settled into my new home, I began taking opportunities as they came to me. I refused to let myself put on blinders and think of only one goal. Instead, all I required of myself was to finish the semester and have fun. Besides that, I would wing it and see where life took me.

By the end of the semester, I found an amazing friend group, joined organizations that were unique, fun, and new and gained a confidence in myself that I never knew I had. I knew that I was capable of taking new and exciting opportunities without having a solid grasp on what I was doing. And that that was OK. The bottom line is this: although it may seem terrifying to begin something new, whether it be a new job, a new life in a new place or even just a new paper, it will get easier. Just keep pushing forward, taking the opportunities that come to you and figuring it out as you go. It's OK to wing it. You’ll be OK.

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2620
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17118
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3678
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments