As we continue on our journey through young adulthood, a big question pops up into our mind from time to time: “Who am I?” This question is quite frightening, yet exciting at the same time. When we were younger, other people like our family, teachers, or other authority figures in our lives had a great part in molding who we are; these were the people who taught us the difference between right and wrong and what is important in life. Now that we have explored the world more, we must choose to follow our own path not only with concepts of morality, but with our future goals as well.
Morality
All of us come from different environments that set the foundation of our idea of morality. For some, our moral code is based in religious beliefs that our family introduced us to, and for others our moral code may come from other avenues. A lot of us looked up to our parents to see what moral code we should follow; however, as we grow older, we realize that some of the things we thought were correct no longer align with the people we are today. For example, you may have come from an environment that didn’t emphasize loving others and yourself and have found that tradition as something you no longer want to continue. It can be frightening to really delve into a new belief system knowing that it may differ from what you are taught, but part of being an adult is being able to find your own way to understand the world. If that means living in a way that is different than what you are used to, then that’s okay. Follow your own path. If it is the same as it has always been, that’s great! If it is a new one, that is great too! The most important thing is that you make the decision for yourself.
Life Goals
As you enter college, it seems like many people around you have something to say about your major or the school you decide to go to. It’s almost as if your mom, dad, grandparents and all of your extended family are going to school with you! While this is not the case with everyone, I have heard far too many stories of people choosing majors because some adult in their life has pushed it upon them. Remember that if you decide on a major only because someone told you to, you just might hate your job for the rest of your life. If you have a career goal that you have thought about and planned out, then go for it! At the end of the day, you will be the one doing all the hard work in the career or goals you pursue: not your mom or dad. It is all on YOU. So do what you love, and believe in your path to success.
Every once in a while the question, “Who am I?”—and more often the question “Who am I going to be?”—comes to mind. In these moments, I get worried or nervous, but I just keep reminding myself that I will find my way. Even if it takes a little time, I know that if I keep following my own path everything will be okay. Luckily I have a wonderful support system that will be there if I stumble and thankfully remind me that my path will work out even if there are bumps along the way. So for my Her Campus Pitt readers out there, if you ever feel lost, just remember it will all work out! Keep following your own path.
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