2023-2024

     From study abroad applications to research presentations, I have put myself out of my own comfort zone more than ever. I have faced failures, challenges, and disappointments. But through God’s grace, I am still here. I am still blessed. And I still have time to make a difference.

     Many people want to make a legacy before they pass, myself included. However, it is through my insistence in perfection that continues to hold me back. Recently, my aunt Rhonda told me the debilitating mindset of perfection and how it affected my Granny’s life. This cycle has only grown within generations. Now is my opportunity to break that cycle. 

Cycles seem to be a common issue I find myself in. Many times, it begins with some kind of fixation, whether that be money, addictions, or relationships. No matter where I went in life, I found myself stuck in bad habits. It wasn’t until I reflected deep into my own mind that I was able to focus on success. The first step was creating my own definition of it. 

     I began practicing yoga, meditation, and building a stronger relationship with God. These hobbies enabled me to spend quality time to reflect on myself. I realized that even after getting what I wanted so badly in the moment, I was left with this empty feeling, like I was right back where I started. After searching for answers and seeking out advice, life seemed to keep reminding me that everything is temporary. From your emotions, to the people who walk in out of your life. The experiences that you have, to the thoughts that race through your mind. The key is that you chose to focus on it. But nothing lasts forever. Even if it’s a seemingly “endless” loop. 

     There was no escape to these cycles besides first, gratitude. Even through the most difficult times, I found something good about the situations I fell into. I even began to appreciate my own emotions because of the new perspectives I had about life that I could never understand without experiencing them. Next, I started goal setting, which I learned from a co-op and the honors program I joined. S.M.A.R.T goals were those that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. With this formula, I was finally able to focus on making time for things that were worthwhile. Well, ideally. 

     S.M.A.R.T goals did help me find my way, but not without the coincidences I faced. I began to see a pattern within everything I have been doing for the past year. My research projects, study abroad classes, and even spending time with family, all of these things involved experiences about bringing people together.

     With these realizations of wasted time and unfulfilled actions, I had begun to take goal setting more seriously. I try to stop myself from making excuses and take up challenges that will push me towards success. Through finding my passion for unity, I have been able to focus on which opportunities to take. 

Today, I’ve decided to fill my time through helping others as much as I can. I hope to volunteer and help my family and friends with any projects and jobs. I hope to work towards certifications and internships related to creating connections between groups of people. Most importantly, I want to be a good example to others. I want to show them that if we work together, we can make a bigger difference in this world than doing it alone.