Reflection
Over the past year, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my life. I looked back on some of the positive events. A few of those events were major life changes. Others were about finding new ways to express my creativity. The launch of my website did not happen overnight. I had been playing with the idea for a long time and never really saw myself completing through.
The shift in my thinking started after I completed a few college courses. They say everyone interprets things differently, and that is very true. Classes like Interpersonal Communication, Intro to Psychology, and Cultural Studies might seem boring for some people. For me, they did more than just teach the material. They taught me a lot about myself. When I added in my English courses, I was finally capable of rounding out the vision for my blog.
One of the most positive changes this past year was deciding to share more of my personal experiences. I also shared my reflections and general outlook on life and career. I used to doubt whether anyone would care about what I had to say. If someone is not interested in this kind of content, I am completely fine with that. I know it is not for everyone. What matters to me is the person who reads something I wrote and feels like it resonates. If even one person can relate, then they know they are not alone. Realizing that gave me the confidence to continue building my website and blog. It has become a place where I can express myself and see my own growth more clearly.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Maya Angelou
Mental health is such an understated, underestimated, and under talked about topic. Many positive events in my life this year stem from taking time to understand my strengths. I also took time to recognize my faults. Because of that, I have been capable of slowly working through the internal struggle. I can now get up every morning knowing what I need to do.
For example, I started my college journey in 2023. I am working toward an Associate degree. This is so I can transfer into a four year college. I am two semesters away from reaching that goal. Naturally, being this close means it is time to apply to the colleges or universities I want to go to. Because of my personality, I tend to over prepare. I don’t want to know I am not wasting anyone’s time, including my own. In this case, that meant making sure I was not taking classes that would fail to transfer.
I did everything that was required. I reached out to advisors at my current college, and then to advisors at the college I wanted to attend. I did this many times. I really wanted to get this right. Once I finally had everything set, I sent my unofficial transcript. This allowed us to map out my last two semesters. I wanted to make sure I was in good shape.
The college I wanted to go to reviewed my transcript. They evaluated all the courses I had taken. They confirmed that everything transferred the way it needed to. To my surprise, they also approved my application and I was accepted. The struggle, sacrifice, and hard work had paid off.
“It always seems impossible until it is done.”
Nelson Mandela
Looking back, the positive events from this past year are not only the big wins on paper. Launching my website, getting closer to finishing my degree, and being accepted into the college I wanted are all important. But underneath all of that is something deeper. I started to understand myself better. I learned how my mind works, what motivates me, and where I still need to grow.
I am not where I want to be yet. I am grateful I am no longer where I used to be.
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