Learning to rewrite the ‘perfect’ plan

is the best choice I ever made. But the truth is, it wasn’t my first choice.
When I was in high school, I thought I knew exactly how my life should pan out.
If I put academics before all else, focused entirely on my college application and pushed and pushed until I had all the extracurriculars they say you need, I’d capture that sought-after competitive edge, become the “perfect” applicant and get into the “perfect” college.
I was constantly stressed, but my anxiety about the future only drove me to work harder and force myself to fit the mold of what I thought college admissions offices wanted.
Then my greatest high school fears came true in the form of a rejection letter. Then another. And another. I was rejected by all the colleges where I thought I belonged.
I was crushed and overwhelmed with uncertainty now that my “perfect” plan had seemingly failed. But I wasn’t about to give up.
I shifted my attitude. I revisited my own expectations and beliefs to really, deeply consider where I wanted to be. And with a clean slate and an open mind, things began to feel a little different.
Soon, my choice was clear: .
You see, through the rejections, I discovered that stereotypes and public pressures had defined my strict life plan. As hard as I was working, I wasn’t in the driver’s seat at all. Rather, the mold I was forcing myself into — trying to be the “perfect” student — was leading the way.
It wasn’t until I came to that I realized what it’s really like to have a choice. It wasn’t until I let go of that mold that I felt free to truly explore.
And the more I let go, the more I’m learning.
At , I’m learning that the right college for me is one with freedom and creativity built into its culture, where going beyond the walls of a single department or perspective is more powerful than a singular path.
At , I’m learning to pick classes I actually want to take, study what I want to know more about and do things because I’m interested in them.
At , I'm learning how to connect with amazing, dedicated professors and a tight-knit community that’s passionate about every field from classical mythology to microbiology.
At , I’m learning that people can encourage and inspire you to explore different clubs and events with a common goal: understanding and expressing your most authentic self.
At , I'm learning how to rewrite my “perfect” life plan.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people I’ve met here. I’m confident that, no matter my plan, my future will be filled with countless possibilities, thanks to .