I think seventeen-year-old me would be very confused with where I am now. And hell, twenty-year-old me can’t blame her. In high school, I spent most of my time in rehearsals, in addition to cross country and track practices, youth group, service, etc. And now I essentially do none of those things. So, I decided to conduct a hypothetical interview with my 17-year-old self to see how she would feel about me right now.
So, where do you go to school?
DePauw.
Okay, I called that one. What sort of music are you doing in college?
I’m not.
Yeah, it was always hard to balance music and running. You’re still running, right?
Nope. Your last stress fracture did you in. You didn’t heal the same.
Oh yikes … so … no sports at all?
Nope.
Okay, well, did you find a church that you like?
Not exactly …
But you still-
I wouldn’t quite put it like that, no.
Wow, okay. Oh yeah, what’s your major?
Philosophy, actually. I want to be a lawyer.
You’re kidding. There’s no way … Do I even know you?
I mean, maybe. I’m much more confident than you are. College does wonders for your self-esteem.
Figures. So what exactly do you do at–?
Well, you spend a good deal of time working this job for your scholarship. And you’re about to be President of this college magazine you write for. And you’re in a sorority.
Okay, that’s all cool, but no music or running? That’s like everything I’m doing right now.
I know. I know you’re working so hard for what you want to do. And you’re going to carry all of those memories with you.
So what now?
Now, I think you start worrying a little less. Sure, you have friends you’re going to keep, but you don’t have to be so hard on yourself. Stand your ground. You’re worth fighting for.