Becoming an adult in college is a more emotional experience than we are able to appreciate. Between due dates, job applications, extracurricular activities, laundry and studying, being a part of university life seems quite stressful.
Miraculously and mysteriously, we survive.
This milestone of our life is unique, and our experiences should be shared in order to inspire others.
As a senior, I am now able to appreciate the struggles of college. It has been complicated, and I wish someone had told me at the beginning how hard it was going to be, how much it will make me grow and mature.
Every time I get the opportunity to share my school experiences with my younger sisters, I make sure to tell them the truth. Raw honesty has allowed me to bond with my siblings, get to know them as individuals and create a real space of sharing.
Recently, one of my sisters told me she wanted to become a scientist because she doesn’t want to become “nobody.” This statement shocked me and made me realize how society has implanted this idea in most of us.
From a personal perspective, I told her about my experiences in high school and how the same pressure was put on me. Looking at her reaction made me appreciate how being myself made my siblings realize that yes, the struggle is real, but it is not that bad.
Personally, it is hard to understand why this idea of “mistakes are not allowed” became part of mainstream culture.
Sadly, this idealistic way of thinking is hindering our progress. By removing stigmas and stereotypes of “perfection,” we will be able to honestly reach out to young people and really aid them.
How many times were you disappointed after you got to know someone you really admired? Imagine your perception of those people if they would have been honest about their lives from their start.
Take some time and weigh the consequences of being open, honest and real about your life decisions. You will find out it is not that bad. You will become more accepting of your life and be able to let go of those feeling of anxiety.
Life is a short experience that we need to enjoy as much as possible. We can lose a lot of time and effort plaguing our thoughts with feelings of remorse and guilt.
This is not a normal behavior encoded in our genes. It is a learned trait that we have imposed from generation to generation. The only way to stop the abuse is to embrace the compassion inside of us.
Start by forgiving and forgetting those memories and ideas that produce pain and anxiety, and you will be able to feel a sense of inner peace.
More powerful than meditation or any other relaxing stimulus, self-awareness and acceptance can unlock the most beautiful, creative and special parts of our consciousness and mind.
Andrea Taboada is a UF microbiology senior. Her column appears on Wednesdays.
