2012 - My Year

It is finally 2012. I think I have been waiting for this year since 2004. I had so many different things in mind for this year. College graduation, turning 22, finding a career to call my own, becoming an adult. And now, it is finally here. I sit back and think about exactly what 2012 meant to me back when I was 14, 16, 18. It meant personal freedom, life achievements, and wisdom. It signaled the end of my undergraduate life and a start of my adult, career life. But now that this year has arrived, I am more scared of what's next than I have ever been before.

When I started high school I knew I wanted to go to college. I knew exactly how I wanted my future to turn out. I had a strong drive to make it into a 4 year University. And after 4 years of tedious hard work, I did just that. The satisfaction of getting into a great college was something that I can't really describe in words. It was really one of the most gratifying days of my life. And I could lie to you and say that I chose UC Davis, but truthfully UC Davis chose me. I wish I could tell you with confidence that I always knew I wanted to be a communications major, but the truth is, I didn't. I thought business was my way to success and true passion, but it wasn't. Life took a major turn for me when I got my acceptance letter to UC Davis. And life will change yet again when I get my diploma from UC Davis.

I have no doubts in my mind that 2012 will be a fantastic, amazing year. Although I am already nervous about what I will do after June 16, 2012. People have been asking me the past year, "What are you going to do when you graduate?" And I usually reply with, "Cry, a lot." I can guarantee you that will be what will happen after my 4 years are over. Some tears will be out of happiness, but the rest will be because of my fear of the unknown.

For my whole life, college has been the future. Now that this accomplishment is almost behind me, where do I go next? I guess I have to plan for another broader future, because the one goal I have set for myself at the young age of 13, is finally close enough for me to touch.

To anyone else going through this same grieving process of letting go of your own youth, please feel free to share with me your concerns as well. I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way.