It’s crazy to think that I’m 25 years old and I graduated from N.C. State three years ago this December. Seriously, where does the time go?

Several weeks back, I came to the realization that I’m truly becoming an independent adult. I’ve experienced a lot of change in the past year. Quite frankly, I’ve never really been a fan of change – but I didn’t have a choice. Losing my grandma and dad within four months of each other was definitely not something I thought I would have to experience by age 25. Whatever growing up I had not done at that point, I had to do then. I had to take on responsibilities a person at least twice my age would be expected to tackle. For example, being responsible for and – eventually – parting ways with my grandparents’ house, which had been an integral part of my life for the past 25 years.

Despite the changes – and challenges – I’ve faced, I continued pressing on in life. My professional career in the sports industry is going well. I made my first big, adult purchase – a car – which included getting my own car insurance after being on my mom’s since I began driving. I’ve also begun the process of searching for new health insurance as this is the final year I can be on my mom’s plan as well. That’s just a sampling of the “growing up” I’ve had to do in the past year.

I guess the whole point to my rambling on this post is: life can come at ya quick. If there is anything I’ve learned, it’s do not wish your life away. Trust me, you’ll long for the days of little to no responsibility. I do. I’ve also learned that you do not have to know everything to succeed in life, nor do you have to feel like you should constantly “prove yourself” to others. This may sound cliché but: just be you. Be confident in whatever college choice, career move, etc. you make. Take the curveballs life throws at you and embrace them. I’m reminded of a quote from one of my favorite authors, Mark Twain:

“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”

Just to be clear, I’m in no way a motivational speaker, nor do I have it all “figured out.” Frankly, I don’t believe any human being ever truly has life “figured out.” I felt led to open up about the past year of my life and feel that someone out there in the universe could relate and, perhaps, find some sort of inspiration from it. If you can relate to my situation or if you would like to talk about this post, feel free to drop me a comment below, an email or message me on Twitter.

MUCH LOVE✌🏼