I Don’t Know About You, But I’m Not Feeling 22

Birthdays are supposed to be jubilant celebrations. At least, that’s the way they have always been for me. I have always loved blowing out my birthday candles, opening presents and celebrating with friends and family.

However, this year, that wasn’t the case for me. For the first time in my life, I was absolutely dreading my birthday.

Why might you ask? I was turning 22 years old.

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In the days and weeks leading up to my 22nd birthday, I felt a huge amount of shame and guilt in my heart. Deep down to my core, I felt like I was not “ready” to be a 22-year-old.

At 22, by society’s standards, I should have everything figured out. I am supposed to be graduating from college this year. I should know what I want to do with my life: what kind of job I want, where I want to live, where I see myself in five years...the list goes on and on.

However, the truth of the matter is that I am not graduating “on time” and I still don’t know exactly what I want to do with my life.

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I bet no one in my hometown ever thought that the valedictorian would become a super senior struggling to find a career path. But I have struggled, and news flash: a lot of other people have as well.

In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 41% of students graduate in four years.

If this is true, why is there so much stigma around “having your life together” at age 22?

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So, all you 22-year-olds out there, here’s a message for you: it’s okay to not have everything figured out, and you don’t need to feel ashamed for it either.

No matter how old you are as you read this, you should know that you’re doing amazing. Keep living your life to the fullest and making a positive impact on people, because in the end that’s all that truly matters.