WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE

A year and a half ago, I wrote a blog post titled ‘What Do I Want to Do With My Life?’ I sat, frustrated by the fact that others appeared to know precisely where they were headed and the steps they would take to reach their goals. Nevertheless, I remained confident that I was just a high school junior, and over time, I would discover my path and purpose.

Today, I am a college freshman still confronting the daunting question: What do I want to do with my life?

In some ways, it arises less frequently now. I have fewer inquisitive adults attempting to break the silence with the only question that comes to mind, and more peers my age who can acknowledge their own uncertainty about their decisions. Nevertheless, with each passing day, the clock appears to tick away, and my chance to ‘get ahead’ diminishes.

At this point, I have had some significant realizations about my career. While they may not be the ones I had hoped for, they have altered my perspective on how I forge my own path to success. It is not for anyone else to dictate or judge, and it is not a journey meant to be completed in a single day.

At present, I am crafting my elevator pitch and resume as I embark on the application process for competitive positions. I am a first-year psychology major, exploring a wide range of opportunities to discover my passion. I am currently involved in organizations such as Strike Magazine and Spoon Magazine to nurture my identity as a writer. Additionally, I am a member of UF’s inaugural co-ed Indian fusion dance team, Gator Tufaan. I am also maintaining my engagement in Student Government to oversee the upcoming campaign season. Throughout this journey, I continue to meet new people and gain fresh insights into what I bring as an individual gator in a giant swap.

After significant trial and error, I am confident in my belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I can continue to take courses in the humanities, engage in writing and debates with peers who challenge me with new concepts. I can persevere through challenging math classes and dedicate hours to studying to attain the grades I require. In all honesty, I could even pursue a pre-med path, starting from scratch with ‘Intro to Chemistry.’ I possess the capability to do it. The question I now pose to myself, rather than ‘What do I want to do with my life?’ is ‘What do I want to explore right now?’

Four years from now, as I face an interviewer for my first job or professional school, I aim to have a compelling narrative to share. I am confident that I can meet their gaze and deliver a well-crafted story explaining why I am a deserving candidate for the position for which they are evaluating me. Nevertheless, I am also aware that there are countless other candidates capable of the same. So, what will set me apart? What will distinguish me is that I will be the candidate whose story isn’t flawless. Whether I am applying for a business internship in New York City or seeking admission to my dream medical school, I want the interviewer to understand that I made a deliberate choice. They will know that my life’s path was not dictated by default or external pressure; it was chosen with thoughtful consideration, guidance from trusted sources, enlightening experiences, and a firm handshake, accompanied by strong eye contact.

I eagerly anticipate the day when I can confidently answer the question of what I aspire to do with my life. Discovering something that aligns with all my aspirations and desires will be the ultimate reward for the time I’ve spent feeling lost. In today’s increasingly competitive market, I recognize that the key to success is not merely selecting a career path based on income or prestige but rather finding a niche where I can truly stand out and advocate for myself.

So, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ria Pai. I am a first-year psychology major at the University of Florida. At this juncture, I am in the process of discovering my passions. In the upcoming semester, I plan to enroll in courses that will allow me to explore a wide range of possibilities. My passions include engaging in student government campaigns, writing articles for my personal blog, and dedicating time to strength training at the gym. I am also acquiring new skills, such as cooking nourishing meals and forging lasting relationships. It’s a lot to undertake, but I am enthusiastic about evolving into someone who will, one day, hold a position I deserve through hard work and a exploration of the impact I can have in doing something for the rest of my life.

Happy Living

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going” -Beverly Stills