Taylor Grace S.

Photography by LeighAnn Henderson

If you’re reading this, your future is in good hands. 

This semester is my second to last at Clemson. I am currently surrounded by a frenzy of graduate school applications, job interviews, apartment tours, and wanting to finish out college strong. A common theme throughout these first few weeks of senior year has been stress, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. As I write this, I’m in the middle of the grueling process of applying to law school, and I have found myself having tunnel vision that is only focused on the future and concerns about whether or not I am good enough for the goals I set for myself. 

Comparison in college is something that I have personally struggled with and have had to learn to manage throughout my time here. Seeing others involved in everything on campus, friends accepting job offers, a post from those girls with insanely extensive social circles, noticing people who seem to never leave the gym, or getting a glance at your classmate’s grade that is higher than yours are not things that can leave your mind instantly. I know it can be so difficult not to compare every aspect of your life to others that you might think are more successful or well-known than you. 

However, you are not them; you are your own person with so much to offer that it would be a shame if you were a copy of someone else. 

So when it seems like comparison will never end when it comes to the future, remember that this is your story, these are your strengths and qualifications, and you are one of one. 

One of my favorite reminders is to take a break from looking ahead and look back on your college experience and all that you have done. Seniors, we have completed three years at a university. Those years have been filled with exams, cram sessions, learning to cook, and making new friends. When it seemed like it might not get better, we made it out on the other side and are here we are now, about to graduate. We have lived away from our childhood homes, passed classes, and learned how to be adults. None of these things are small feats. We have all accomplished so many things that we may deem just “the way life goes,” but really every day that you get up and put your best foot forward is an accomplishment in itself. 

When things start to feel overwhelming, grounding is a technique (that my psychologist parents have instilled in me for years) that can help bring you back to earth and soothe your nerves. Two examples I like doing are focusing on breathing and taking deep breaths to lower my heart rate, and also reminding myself that the situation I am in may be uncomfortable, but it is not a crisis. If you remind yourself of your ability to get through something uncomfortable, it can minimize the stress inflicted on the situation. 

I have also personally found comfort in my Christian faith, and that the Lord has known what the next step in my life was going to be before I was even created. I have peace knowing that each person’s story has been beautifully and uniquely crafted for them to live and that mine will work out exactly how it should. We all have purpose, and life on earth is so fleeting that it would be unfulfilling to use my time here worrying and fighting to be in control. I choose to let God tell me the plan and live life accordingly. 

No matter where you are in your path of life, when looking to your future, know that it is in good hands, because your hands have worked hard to get you where you are. Remember that preparation is priceless, and there is nothing wrong with working hard towards the goals you set, but worrying about something does not change the outcome and will only dig your anxiety hole deeper. 

You have worked hard and deserve all of the good things coming your way. You will end up where you are supposed to be.

Taylor Grace S., Clemson University

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