One of the aspects I most enjoy about college is all the opportunities for self-growth. Whether it be through challenging classes, experiences on sports teams, lessons learned from peers or housemates, outdoor adventures, or pure self-reflection. I think this time in our lives is full of tests to help us determine who we are. It is important to be challenged and persevere to see who we are and realize how we have changed once challenge spits us out. We must struggle in order to weed out the false ideas we might have about ourselves and confirm the true aspects of our person.
My most current bout with challenge has been a test of my positivity and ability to remain optimistic. It is so easy to feel sorry for ourselves and let our problems get the most of us. But we must not live passively, we have to face our challenges and ask why. Everything happens for a reason, it is just a matter of finding that reason and learning from it. The most important lesson I have learned is that attitude is a choice and realizing the power of a positive attitude. Having an optimistic view of both current situations and the future seems to be the only way to achieve happiness throughout difficult times.