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Make independent decisions and chase your dreams
By Colleen Young
On March 14, 2013
It is crucially important for college students to have independence during these four life-changing years. We're all
making big decisions every day, whether it's which internships and jobs we'll apply for, what we're going to declare as
our major, where we're going to live or eventually what our futures entail.
These important decisions should be made by the person who will be the most affected: you.
I am a strong believer in trusting your gut feeling and conscience. If you feel that there's something you're meant to
do or somewhere you're meant to go, go for it. We have so many opportunities, chances and choices in front of us that
we need to independently decide what's next on our exciting journey.
I am truly thankful for my helpful family and friends who have given me advice and support through all of my
important decisions in the past two years. I have also learned that although they all can lend me their advice, I ultimately
need to be the one deciding what my future looks like. You should do the same for your life.
Last year, my sister Meghan, a college junior at the time, earned an important internship in Washington, D.C. She was
hesitant to leave Buffalo because of all the people she thought she'd be leaving behind, but she received overwhelming
support and eventually went for her dreams.
Her eight months interning in Washington ended up being her favorite opportunity of all time and she plans on going
back as soon as she graduates from college this spring.
Meghan knew there were a lot of people she needed to consider with this life change - mostly the special people who
see her in her everyday life. And though she knew she'd miss them, Meghan still went for her dreams, moved to a city
hours away and started fresh at a new company where no one knew her.
Her blunt bravery is the kind that I'd like to encourage all of you to have each and every day. We're college students
and we have a world of opportunities at our fingertips.
Many businesses are open to having interns come to help out and learn. If you do well, the company may decide to
offer you a job right after college, which is what happened to my sister.
She was brave. She didn't let the lonely opinions of those who would miss her affect her decision to chase her
dreams.
Whether it's here on campus, locally, nationally or internationally, you need to think about what you want to do,
where you want to go and when you want to do it. Then, you need to do everything in your power to make it happen.
I'm not trying to dismiss the importance of advice from your loved ones. I understand that our family and friends
can have some constructive advice, wisdom and help. But ultimately, if they truly love you, they should support your
choices.
Don't let people selfishly hold you back from pursuing your dreams just for their own needs. Listen to what others
have to say, but don't ever base your decisions off of anyone else's circumstances. Peoples' lives can change in an
instant, so don't rely on them always being here or a part of your life just because they are right now. Don't miss an
important opportunity just because of someone else.
If you want to get an internship, apply for it. If you want to get more involved in Buffalo, start exploring the city and
learn what you can do or who you can help. If you want to go somewhere else for Graduate School after your time as
a Bengal, apply to your dream schools. If you want to study abroad, do everything in your power to go see the world.
Don't let anyone stop you. Be independent.
This is your life and these are your chances to do what you want to do. Keep your loved ones close to your heart, but
if the world is calling your name, go follow the call and do great things.
Colleen Young can be reached by email at young.record@live.com
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