Everything happens for a reason. It’s cheesy, but it’s true.
My life has been like an old, country backroad– full of potholes, unexpected twists, and every once and awhile, a landscape so beautiful that you have to pause for a second to take it in. But every wrong turn and every roadblock that’s come across has led me to where I am now.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a writer; words were the only way I could express myself, remain close to my heart and fuel my passion. So that’s what I’d do: work hard in school, get good grades, and move somewhere beautiful. Somewhere to give my stories inspiration– Arizona or Colorado, preferably.
Staying true to my word, I finished high school with great grades, allowing me to have a broad selection of colleges. The University of Colorado at Boulder and Arizona State University were at the top of my list, and after persuading my parents to allow me to go out-of-state for college, we were on our way to multiple college visits.
Going Far Away from Home
The University of Colorado was beautiful and everything I wanted in a school, but sadly, it was completely out of my price range– even with a scholarship. Arizona State University was an amazing journalism school and had the ideal college campus. But when it came down to it, I just didn’t feel like I fit in.
With foiled plans and a heavy heart, I called off the college search for a while, that is, until my dad brought up the possibility of moving… to Alabama, of all places. He wanted me to visit a few southern schools, just in case, but I knew in my heart that I’d never end up in Alabama.
Boy, was I wrong.
I stepped foot on The University of Alabama’s campus and I knew: this was where I wanted to be for the next four years. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know another soul on campus, it didn’t matter that it wasn’t one of my previous top choices. This was my school.
A year and a car full of moving boxes later, we were making the 10-hour trek to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. To the rest of my future. To the many problems (and eventual solutions) that awaited me.
My Journey has had lots of Detours but I’m Getting There
As I’m ending my junior year at The University of Alabama, I frequently look back on everything that has gone wrong over the years, realizing every twist and turn has led me to where I am now.
Even my three disagreeable roommates my freshman year. They caused me to branch out, meeting new people on a campus of strangers– strangers who ended up being my best friends in the world.
Even the dreaded computer science class I had to take as a general education requirement. Without that introductory course, I would never have found my passion (and current minor) in website and software design.
Even my less-than-ideal freshman year; in the midst of a long-distance breakup and moving out of my childhood home forever. I was coping with feeling alone and out-of-place. Without experiencing those emotions for the first time, with no one to confide in, I wouldn’t have developed the sense of independence and self-confidence I have now.
If those negative feelings had taken control, I would have transferred. But then I wouldn’t have met my best friends. I wouldn’t have branched out with my education. And I wouldn’t have learned as much about myself. My life would be completely different.
And to think, I had never even considered coming to this school.
Life can be crazy and unexpected, and at certain points, there might be more bad times than good. Even when it seems like you’re working towards nothing, you’re still on the right road– potholes and all.
Everything happens for a reason, even if you can’t see it. Life is a long, winding road– one you can’t navigate with a GPS.
You’ll end up at your destination, nevertheless.
