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.

Resurrection

Throughout this whole college decision making process, I have been transformed as a person. I've seen a side of myself that I'm not very proud of and that I wouldn't like to see again. I've seen how difficult it is to be humble sometimes and that one has to always choose to be kind even when times are hard. I've realized that patience is definitely a virtue. I've learned to believe in myself and my abilities, even when I don't think I can. 

I've gained a lot of insight about myself and my future. I'm not ashamed to say that I will be a UNCW Seahawk in the fall. I'm excited to find out what my life will be like there, and I can't wait to see who I'm going to become in the next four years. I'm still chasing my dreams, and that is the most important thing. That's one huge insight that I've gained from this journey: you can chase your dreams anywhere.