Education, a means to an end. For most, high school is merely a mode of transporting oneself to college. College leads to either a job or graduate school. Eventually, the end goal is a well-paying job that can afford one the lifestyle he or she wishes to live. Students want an education that will land them a job on Wall Street or entrance into medical or law school. As an incoming college freshman, I was prepared to follow ‘the path’ to law school.
I, regrettably, followed said path a little too closely my first semester. I took classes I believed would strengthen my chances of getting into law school, rather than ones that seemed interesting. I spent all my time studying, rather than venturing into New York City, or even spending time with the people on my floor. I realized that I was so wrapped up in my long-term goal that I was forgetting to live in the present. Unfortunately, this also meant that I was miserable. Upon returning home for Thanksgiving break, I begged my mother not to force me to return. I had not made a secure group of friends. I had not found my niche. I had no reason to return. Of course, my mother insisted I, at least, finish the semester. And, so I did – still not living to the fullest.
Second semester, I began to reach out. I joined a sorority and several other organizations on campus. I began to form relationships and find groups in which I could thrive. Still, my schoolwork is important to me and I hope to someday attend law school. However, I have discovered that earning my bachelors degrees is not merely a path to the next step in my life. Rather, I must enjoy the journey.
I, regrettably, followed said path a little too closely my first semester. I took classes I believed would strengthen my chances of getting into law school, rather than ones that seemed interesting. I spent all my time studying, rather than venturing into New York City, or even spending time with the people on my floor. I realized that I was so wrapped up in my long-term goal that I was forgetting to live in the present. Unfortunately, this also meant that I was miserable. Upon returning home for Thanksgiving break, I begged my mother not to force me to return. I had not made a secure group of friends. I had not found my niche. I had no reason to return. Of course, my mother insisted I, at least, finish the semester. And, so I did – still not living to the fullest.
Second semester, I began to reach out. I joined a sorority and several other organizations on campus. I began to form relationships and find groups in which I could thrive. Still, my schoolwork is important to me and I hope to someday attend law school. However, I have discovered that earning my bachelors degrees is not merely a path to the next step in my life. Rather, I must enjoy the journey.
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