There is something so terrifying about turning 20 that makes you feel like you’re supposed to suddenly have your entire life figured out. You are no longer a teenager, but you also aren’t exactly a full-grown adult who has it all together either.
Then you get hit with the same questions everyone seems to be asking you: What are your plans after college? What are you majoring in? Do you have any internships lined up?
And honestly? I have no clue.
Maybe you don’t either, and that’s completely okay.
You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind
Once you hit the age of 20, it does not mean there is a deadline for having your entire life
planned out, and I have had to learn this the hard way. Your early twenties are a time for you to challenge yourself, say yes to the things you would never say yes to, and step out of your comfort zone.
Starting college, I was convinced I wanted to major in one specific thing and ended up changing
my major to something completely different. Being in college, you are bound to face so many
challenges and experiences that will help you navigate what you are passionate about and
discover the things that bring you true joy.
Being a junior in college, I have faced my handful of ‘failure’ moments. Whether these moments were saying yes to everything until I burnt out, not getting the job I applied for, and many, many more moments. The list could go on. The thing I’ve learned is to not let these brief moments of so-called ‘failure’ or ‘disappointment keep me from moving forward.
Growth is such a pivotal moment you are faced with in your twenties, especially being in college or away from home. So let the uncomfortable seasons of life take you to the spots where it may feel like failure and silence. But don’t let it keep you there.
Do Not Compare Your Timeline
Living in the society we do today, we are constantly fed seeing people become
extremely successful at such a young age. Scrolling through social media, I have seen a
handful of people getting engaged, landing an internship, or experiencing new, exciting things.
The reality is my life does not look like that. I do not have it all figured out and if I am being quite honest, the future sometimes does scare me.
I have to constantly remind myself that everyone’s season of life looks drastically different and social media only captures a glimpse of other people’s lives. The pressure is real. But you also have to give yourself some space to make time for you and do the things you enjoy. I learned this because, for the longest time, I did the things that I believed would grow me into a better student, friend, or employee, and I lost the excitement for the things that simply brought me joy all because I was so caught up in trying to keep up with everyone else.
Just Try It
One of the best things you can do in your 20s is give yourself permission to try new things and experiences that you enjoy. Allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone by trying the things you are eager to try but nervous to step into.
Let yourself be curious. Join the club. Ask the questions. Meet new friends.
By expanding your knowledge and skills, while sticking to the things that bring you joy, you can discover what you relish in and what you don’t. Every experience adds another piece to the bigger picture.
