I came into college with half of a bachelor’s degree, planning to graduate in three years by taking twelve credit hours each semester. Sounds easy, right? In reality, I had a rough time adjusting to difficult courses, and I changed my major and path twice.

The Weight of a Rigid Plan

I had a concrete plan: stay for three years, take the Dental Admission Test after two years, and go to dental school in the fall after my graduation. It wasn’t until recently that I accepted I could not do it. This was the best decision of my college career so far.

Like many college students, I believed that changing my goals was a sign of weakness or outright failure. The truth is that the goals I had set took a toll on me. I resented my course load and the thought of missing out on a year of what was supposed to be the greatest era of my life.

My grades started slipping, which, for a former straight-A student, was hurtful and confusing. I had arranged my life around studying and was now falling short.

Giving Myself Grace

Eventually, I figured out the solution: I needed to push back my goals and give myself grace. I realized certain things were inhibiting my learning, and it is nearly impossible to be successful if you keep up the same habits that are hurting your happiness.

Knowing I couldn’t maintain the pace, I decided to take a step back. I contacted my advisor, and together we planned to extend my degree by one more semester.

I could finally look at my schedule with a smile instead of intense fear. I was able to tell my friends that I could stick around for another semester, be more involved in my sorority, and have time for things other than studying and work.

Embracing a New Momentum

I would be lying if I said this decision did not terrify me. Truthfully, adding a semester felt like a failure.

However, no one around me made me feel bad about this decision; they pushed me in the direction that would benefit me mentally. This meant postponing everything I had worked so hard for in high school and allowing myself to build a new timeline.

Your Life, Your Timeline

All I have learned from this is that life is meant to be lived on your timeline. Just because there is a conventional path does not mean it is right for you. Do what makes you happy, and when you find yourself hurting, make a change that will benefit you.

It is nearly impossible to feel successful when the pressure you put on yourself is suffocating. Take a deep breath and consider what you want. After all, the only person who can live your life is you.

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