Two years ago, in a long white gown and matching cap, I walked across a stage with two hundred other young adults, signaling the end of our mandatory academic career. Some were enlisting, some were going off to college, and some knew they were just simlpy entering the work force. I, myself, was undecided. That's right, I was one of the losers who had no idea what life after high school entailed. During my entire high school career, I thought I would go to college. Though my exact education path was never fully decided, furthering my education at least, was. For some reason, though, when push came to shove, I was undecided. I graduated high school with plans to continue my minimum wage career at the Kmart. That's not even mediocre. That's below average. That's a D on my life's report card.
To be clear, I didn't intend to stay at Kmar for the rest of my life. Full time opportunities were few and far betwen, if they came along at all, and the word 'raise' at Kmart was like the name 'Voldemort' at Hogwarts. I remember feeling so low about myself as my peers all seemed so put together and ready for the future while I had no idea what my next step might be. My future looked like minimum wage, holiday hours, a car older than me, and spending my weekdays off lounging around with my boyfriend doing nothing. My friends had higher expectactions for themselves than I of myself. They had a purpose, a plan. And I was just letting my life go with the flow. Suffice to say, I felt like a failure.
Fast forward two years later and you'll see a completely new person (and not just because a double chin disguises me). I have an actual career, a 401K, a 2.5 karat ring on my left hand, and realtor.com in my browsing history. I'm twenty years old and I've begun to spread my wings and fly. I don't feel like a failure. For once in my life, I feel like I have everything pretty much together. I have medical benefits, a car I put the miles on, a fiance, and somewhat of a plan. Some of my classmates' plans have fallen through. Some have made terrible life decisions. And others aren't even alive anymore.
Growing up is real. It isn't for the faint of heart and anyone who sees the world through rose-colored glasses won't survive. You have to make every decision with every duck in a row. You have to prepare for anything and everything.
