Life is too short. In college, many of us have dreams and goals which we all would like to accomplish. But where do these goals come from? Parents raise their children to do what they want them to do sometimes, or society and our peers will set these goals for us, not knowing that they play a catalyst in destroying the true purpose of our lives. Some of us here want to become social workers or nurses. Others want to become financial consultants or psychologists. My question is: why?It?s a sad story to hear some seniors on campus say, “I?m not sure if I want to go into the medical field,” or “I?m not sure if I want to be a teacher,” after their last semester of student teaching. The truth is that once college starts, you only have about four years to figure out who you are and why you?re here.
The problem for many people in America is that they go to jobs everyday that they hate. Why? Those people have been caught up in the system: go to college, get a degree, get a good paying job, and work until retirement. Our lives should not be called to this ordinary routine that brings misery and depression. There is more to life than this!
There is too much time and money put into this socalled college education to not get what we want out of it. My advice to everyone is do not get caught up in the system! Go after your dreams, no matter if you?re going to be paid a six figure salary, or only make forty thousand annually. Discover your passion, follow your dream, work hard at it, and then be happy. That?s the system we should follow. Hold on to what you believe in and discover the world around you. Find meaning to life and do what you were called to do. Never settle for less and never give up.
In November of last year, West Chester University lost one of its own to a brutal and horrible murder. Asia Adams was a senior and on her way to graduating. Unfortunately, she didn?t have the same opportunity we do, and my prayers still go out to her family. However, we have a chance as college students to make an impact on the world. If not for me, if not for yourself, if not for your parents, then for Asia Adams. Don?t settle for mediocrity when you are called to greatness.
With tears in my eyes, remember life is too short. Asia Adams lost her life, but she is not forgotten.
David Mickens is a student at West Chester University.