Illustration courtesy of Drashti Mehta

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a difficult situation. I wanted to do something, and some people in my life felt differently. Obedience is fundamental in my faith and culture, so although I believed in my decision, I struggled with the idea of disappointing the people I love. I began going through the pros and cons and eventually found myself frozen. Confused by the voices of everyone else, I could no longer hear my own. This dilemma is not an isolated one in my life, and I’m sure many can relate.  

There is wisdom in asking for advice. At 20 years old, there are perspectives I need to hear to make an informed decision. However, I was tired of being crippled by the question, “What if?” 

In the end, I chose to trust myself, unsure if I was making the right choice and welcomed whatever lesson would come. This small act of disobedience to an outside force allowed me to connect with my internal voice. So much of my anxiety was stemming from my fear of failure, though I could not see that in the moment. 

College is a time for self-discovery. As we learn about the world and develop skills for the future, we also learn about ourselves. 

The decision to do assigned readings shows an appreciation for the gift of knowledge. The decision to submit assignments on time shows discipline. The choice to do thorough work wholeheartedly shows ambition. The decision to save money shows restraint from instant gratification. Choosing to take a road that others don’t understand shows confidence. Choosing to take a risk, one that scares you shows faith. And in a time where the future seems unclear, faith is all we have.

The small decisions we make on a daily basis develop our character and show who we are. A single shift in a positive direction can lead us toward who we could be. But in order to make those decisions, we have to know our values.

Yes, the end of the coronavirus tunnel seems out of arm’s reach, but on the bright side, being locked in the house gives us endless time to examine the other areas of our lives we may have been too scared to unpack. By giving ourselves time to identify our values, we can determine whether our current path reflects them. 

Do I like my major? Do I like my friends? Do I like the way I spend my time? Whose life am I living: mine or the one I’m expected to live?

Do you have the answers to these questions?

There’s no better time to ask.