If you were to tell me that a year ago, when I started the college process, that I would get through it, I would most likely not have believed you. Before entering the spring of my junior year, I was terrified of the journey ahead. I had no clue where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do, and how I was going to get there. I remember thinking, how is this going to end? What will my decision be? It certainly was an experience to face my first SAT, college seminar class, college tour, and application. Everything was new to me.

All of my fears and worries went away when I had my first meeting with my college counselor. As we started to discuss the steps and the process, I became more curious, confident, and excited about this journey. It wasn’t all uphill for me, some moments felt upside down, backwards, and all turned around. However, with the support and love from my counselors and family, I knew I would conquer all the challenges I faced.

The hardest part for me was the wait. The moments of waiting to hear if you were accepted or not were the most brutal. I started to think, am I good enough? Am I smart enough? What if I don’t get in? Each time I got the “application portal update” email, I worried of what would happen if I got rejected. Rejection was always a fear of mine when I was waiting to hear back from a school.

When I got denied from my first school, I immediately remember feeling embarrassed in myself. I am a confident and strong person, yet in this moment of rejection, I did not feel good enough. When I was talking to my college counselor she said, “An admissions decision does not define your worth, your character, and your intelligence.” I soon realized that she was right. Whether I am accepted or rejected into a school does not define me, and that is something I now hope to share with others experiencing the same thing. We may not know now why we did not get into a school or program, however it will all work out. All of the pieces will line up for us, and that is something that keeps me curious about what is to come in my future.

Therefore, as you start this journey I want to give you some advice. First, realize the support system you have around you. My college counselor has had an enormous impact on my senior year. She was there for every moment, challenge, celebration, and every time I just needed to talk. This is something I will forever be thankful for! Your college counselors are your cheerleaders, get to know them because they may just change your life, as they did mine. Finally, I would say to stay curious and confident in yourself. Enjoy each day and each moment of this process. You will be challenged and may feel stressed and overwhelmed at some moments, but just remember that you will overcome it all and that each day is a new adventure and opportunity to grow.

I had no idea how much the college process would impact me. I sit here, decided, while getting ready for the next step while thinking about each day that got me here. I am thankful for this journey, and I would not change one thing about it. Little did I know how much this would impact my life! Thank you to the best college counselors, family, friends, and community for being my rock through it all. I will forever be grateful for this moment, as it was all a part of my plan. ROLL TIDE!!