The Life I Haven’t Met Yet

I have always felt like something more is waiting for me. Maybe it is because I have been stuck in the bubble of Orange County my entire life. I have had the privilege of going on vacations with my family, most of which I don't remember because I was so young. The idea of seeing the world outside your bubble feels so fulfilling, something I haven't felt for myself yet. There is a difference between traveling with family and traveling alone on your own terms. There is independence, the freedom to create your own itinerary, and a deeper feeling when you are with your own thoughts.

I never really craved this desire as much as I do now. I think it all developed right after my mom passed away. All I knew was hospitals and doctor’s appointments. Seeing her struggle and slowly lose her strength year by year until her body told itself it was ready to rest. Seeing that happen, especially so young and still so fresh, makes you realize that no matter how young or old we are, we still end up the same way. As those thoughts lingered, my mindset shifted from “what is even the point?” to “how can I create my own story?”

Now that I am finishing up school, the overwhelming feeling about what my future will look like has been growing by the day. I want to be financially stable and live the dream life I crave so badly. As it inches closer, I know what I do now matters. I am trying to work more, save money, and keep learning beyond the classroom. I think many of us feel like we need a career right after graduation, but that is not always the case. We are still so young, and successes, small and grand, will come as we continue to keep pushing; this is a reminder I am still trying to grasp. I know that with the right work ethic and motivation, I can start my own journey and see the world. To me, being rich means the love and experiences we share with loved ones, and enjoying the tiniest details in nature. I already feel so rich, and I can’t wait to share these riches with others.