During my senior year in high school, one of my favorite teachers constantly reminded us to focus on the journey rather than the destination. As a soon-to-be graduate, all I could think about was my destination; I didn’t care about the journey, only the end result. At that point in my life, I didn’t value getting sidetracked and learning on the go.
In high school, my senior class got sidetracked and focused on other topics that did not directly follow the syllabus. Anxiously wanting the year to pass as quickly as possible, I was determined to stay on track and get through the syllabus. After enduring what seemed like a never-ending journey, graduation passed and college arrived.
Entering college is when I discovered that another journey had just begun. I quickly learned that creating the perfect class schedule and graduating as soon as possible wasn’t as important. More important was finding a program that I was passionate about and that would challenge me to be my best, no matter how many times I switched majors.
As a first-year student I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life, or so I thought. I wanted a degree in social work, so I could serve my community and encourage families. I wanted face-to-face interactions that inspired change. After one semester in the social work program, I learned that my idea of a perfect job didn’t quite line up with the degree I had chosen.
The type A personality in me wanted nothing more than to finish school as quickly as possible, even if it meant sticking with a degree I wasn’t passionate about. The type B personality in me wanted to spend a semester exploring new things and possibly delay graduation.
In a semester full of doubt and uncertainty, I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things. I took a first-year speech course from the communication program and thrived. Although public speaking wasn’t an initial fascination, I discovered that I’m passionate about writing, communicating effectively and creating interesting creative elements. Not only did I enjoy the course, but I was inspired by the communication faculty and the program.
Having it “all figured out” before entering college is great but, in reality, few of us ever know exactly what we’re doing. College is about learning to grow where you’re planted and having the courage to try new things.
As I look back at my college experience I cannot stress the importance of getting sidetracked. Focusing on the journey rather than the destination can seem a bit backwards, but I have found that getting sidetracked and actually seeing the journey as it unfolds is the best was to grow.
