As we approach the end of the school year, a panic starts to ensue. The most obvious is for seniors — in three or four short weeks, they truly enter the “real” world. For most, this means 9 to 5 jobs, cubicles, professional dress codes every day and withdrawal of their parents’ financial support. *Shudder.* Thank God I’m not a senior.
But wait — I’m a junior. My own reality is only a year behind those of our upcoming graduates. Am I ready? I mean I’m qualified for a job doing … something? Suddenly, I realize I have 12 months to learn how to live in the real world with a real job, a real place to live and real money. No more magical Caf points, no more free housing and car insurance, no more afternoon naps; I have 365 days, give or take, to figure out how to live life. Daunting, to say the least.
But then I realize how pointless the concept of worry is. Worry has never helped anybody accomplish anything. You see, if you have faith like I do in an all-powerful God, I know He’s got my back. I don’t know what my future steps look like, but I know I walk the path with a knowledgeable guide. The gifts He’s given me are sufficient to battle any storm that comes my way.
So while I seek out wisdom on what exactly the future looks like, I’m learning to be content with the season I’m in, and to realize just how incredible the life I have at Pepperdine truly is.
So instead of worrying about the future, I’m living my life to the absolute fullest. So what if I’m a little tired for my 8 a.m. class if it means having a fun night with people I care about? So what if I get a B on a test instead of an A because I went to the beach on a perfect Malibu day instead of studying? So what if I blow off class to go to Disneyland one day?
My point is this, especially to my fellow juniors: Our days as college students living in Malibu are numbered, so don’t waste a second!
I’m not telling you to be reckless and not think about what lies ahead after graduation, but I am suggesting that you take advantage of your surroundings. Don’t inundate yourself with too much stress and worry for what lies ahead — it will sort itself out. Focus on your relationships with those you care about. Focus on leaving the best legacy possible.
Write down your goals, look at them daily and believe that there is nothing that can stop you from achieving them. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us — don’t let them faze you.
Most of all, find joy in the process. Even when life seems overwhelming and stressful, recognize that the lessons you are learning today are lessons that will stay with you the rest of your life. When you focus your life on your goals and your relationships with others, nothing can stop you from achieving true success.
So, fellow juniors, don’t stress about next year — there is absolutely no point. You are in the right place at the right time, and you are being prepared for what lies ahead. These are your best years — let’s treat them like it.
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Follow Thomas Reinhard on Twitter: @thomasdreinhard
