Return with Elixir

I've completed this Hero's Journey with so much knowledge about myself.  I've learned a lot about the things I need to do when faced with these types of situations, like be humble and patient. I've learned that it's okay to be disappointed when things don't work out the way you've planned them. However, I've also learned that it's not okay to take that disappointment out on others.

 I've realized that my dreams are still going to come true, whether I attend the school of my dreams or not. I want to be a journalist, and I can do that no matter where I go. My career dream still has the potential to come true, and so does my life dream. No matter where I go, I want to be a leader. I want to change the lives of others for the better, so in turn they will want to do the same for someone else. That dream can come true whether I'm in Brunswick County, or Buies Creek, or even Wilmington, North Carolina. I want to inspire those around me. 

I'd just like to tell everyone that it's so important to have a dream - have millions of them. No dream is too big. Always remember, though, some dreams don't come true. That doesn't mean you're a failure. That doesn't mean you won't achieve your other dreams. It just means that there is something better out there waiting for you than you dreamed for yourself. Don't be bitter over life's disappointments. We all have to face the fact that life isn't fair. It isn't fair to anyone, so don't think it's just you. It isn't. Be inspired by the beauty you see in the world. Chase after your dreams, and if some of them don't come true, at least you can say you tried. Don't ever stop believing in yourself and your potential. You can do and be anything; you just have to let yourself go where life leads you. 

I'm ready to embark on my new journey at UNCW. I am confident that I will find myself there, and it will be more than I could have ever imagined for myself. That's what life is all about, right? Finding yourself and becoming your own person. After all, life is about the journey, not the destination.

The Road Back

During this journey, I've realized that my "Ordinary World" doesn't have anything to do with Campbell. My "Ordinary World" is the one in which I live happily with the people in my life. It's the world where I feel comfortable in what my life holds for me. I felt that way when I was sure I was going to Campbell. I was comfortable in my own skin and was happy with my life. When all the changes started to happen with UNCW, I wasn't the person I usually am. I was unhappy and mean. I didn't like the person I was. I so desperately wanted to get back to the happy-go-lucky person I've always been. 

Now, thankfully, I'm making that journey back. I'm comfortable in not knowing what is going to happen at UNCW. I'm comfortable in my own skin again, and I think that is so important. I think it's especially important when a person is about to start college and be out on their own. I'm committed to being that person again, who is happy and secure in what the future holds.