It’s almost time, and it still hasn’t hit me yet…

As I sit in Edmon Low, working my last overnight shift ever, I contemplate what this is going to mean for me. My time to accomplish my dreams is closer than ever and I’m just not sure if I’m ready. It hasn’t quite settled in that now is my time to make decisions that will impact my future.

I’ve been consistently tested over the course of this semester and have learned many lessons along the way.

People will always have an opinion about you and what you’re doing.

The most important lesson I learned is about what they don’t tell you to expect, everyone else’s opinion. When you start achieving goals or doing things that others aren’t, their opinions begin to roll in like you’d never imagine.

They also don’t tell you to watch out for other people trying to bring you down. People always want to compare what you’ve done or what you’re doing to themselves or someone else. I’ve learned to let these people just keep talking because, at the end of the day, they aren’t signing off on my payroll.

At the end of the day (Saturday), I’m graduating from college. It feels like yesterday when I graduated from high school. Hanging out with my friends and not really worrying about the end of the summer, but enjoying the time before I get there.

This college thing has been a true journey. I’ve been tested in ways that I never imagined and God has come through with a W every time. This journey has been crazy and there were times that I didn’t think finishing in three was the right way to go (I’m more sure than ever now).

The best advice I could give…

Don’t let anyone else define who you are.

That includes how you speak, dress, act, or think. You have to be yourself and don’t misrepresent your character. People are watching & looking up to you. Don’t let anyone make you feel or believe anything that you didn’t put on yourself. You are not here for their burdens.

I’m still learning, in every aspect, but I have enjoyed this journey, and we’ll see where God takes me after.

Thank you to everyone who uplifted, motivated, taught, encouraged, and impacted me and my life during these critical three years. It’s only up from here.

One thing I do know is I won’t be writing this next chapter alone.