Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Life

Finding Your Independence: Why It’s Scary, but Necessary

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

It is a typical cliche that “you cannot rely on anyone except yourself.” Trust me, that is much easier said than done and I am speaking from experience. I have always been someone with the resources of a helpful family, however, as soon as I got to college, I realized that this was making me destined for failure. I quickly got a job on campus and fell in love with the idea of being able to provide for myself. Although it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, I tried to incorporate this mindset into every aspect of my life. Small tasks such as going to the dining hall alone, or walking to class by myself became something I fell in love with. Not only was I strengthening my independence, but I was also falling in love with myself and who I was as a person. 

I believe that no matter the circumstance or the individual, you should never put all of your trust and dependency on another person. Stuff happens in life, hard times arise, and somehow you are left feeling defeated by relying on someone else. I would much rather depend on myself, even if I am not successful in every task than rely on anyone else to make a change in my life. You have your own personal goals and purpose in life, so why depend on someone else to achieve success?

Back-to-school supplies, agenda
Alexa Williams

This is a scary concept. Especially as someone who grew up in a loving, giving household, it was hard to break those standards and find ways to be independent. It can be a small act; applying for a job, working out on your own, even grocery shopping by yourself, or it can be something even larger, finding the realization that this mentality can be transferred to your relationships. I am a nineteen-year-old college student with a passion to help others one day, and an awareness that I can not rely on a man. I am capable of success on my own, just like every other woman out there. It is terrifying, but the reward is so worth it. Do everything for yourself, for your growth, personal financial success, and future prosperity in whatever endeavor you choose to follow in life. 

neon sign "people fail forward to success"
Photo by Ian Kim from Unsplash

At the end of the day, there is no doubt that finding your own independence is a frightening venture. It is scary to be on your own because if you do fail, you can only blame yourself. However, this is an important concept to learn and I believe that everyone needs this experience. I am excited about the future; for my future job, future relationships, and hopefully, future happiness and love. I know it will be my independence that will get me through life, and with this, everything I have manifested will fall into place.

 

Katie Hagearty

U Mass Amherst '22

Katie Hagearty is a senior at UMass Amherst with a major in communication disorders and minors in education and psychology. She hopes to become a speech pathologist one day and work with children. Katie has a passion and love for fashion, beauty, current events, and writing. She is eager to be involved in the Her Campus chapter at Umass as an outlet to write and reach others with her words and creativity.
Contributors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst