Friday, January 24th, served as a time to celebrate. For others, it acts as a road to recovery. You must be brave enough to pick up the pieces and move on in search of the place you truly belong.
North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s early admission decisions were released this past Friday. Green Level serves as a hotspot for ambitious and qualified students. As such, these students stirred with eagerness as these decisions were rumored to drop. Uniquely, January 2025 has five Fridays, with these two academic institutions typically releasing on the fourth Friday of January. This proved to be the case on the 24th.
The weight of these decisions holds the power to create an emotionally taxing situation. Oftentimes, we can grow envious of the crowd of people surrounding us, whether that be the envy of their clarity, ease at making a decision, or even accomplishments. Life hands you hurdles and confronts you with hardship to make you better and more resilient and start you on a path that is meant for you.
There is no timeline for healing. No guide. Take your time to hurt, to accept, to wonder what more you could have done. However, do not let it dim your light, your ambition, or your fervor for learning, discovering, and growing. You are exactly where you need to be. There is nothing more you could have done. Find peace of mind in the fact that you left everything on the table.
You will be successful in your post-secondary education because it is not the university that hoists this power but rather the fact that you are a special force.
It is essential moving forward to channel your support system, as they can aid you in choosing which college is best suited for you. In times when you feel alone in your journey, this is the most crucial time to choose to depend on those who add to your life.
Be proud of your accomplishments thus far, and try to see the bigger picture. You will invoke change in any environment you find yourself a part of because you are simply that capable. That I am sure of.
After interviewing Mrs. Roberts, Dean of Students, she suggests, “As you know, college decisions are coming out. Please take care of yourself and each other! Remember, your plans for life after high school are a process, it is only ONE part of your journey in this world! Trust that your path will unfold in meaningful ways, regardless of the outcome. We know it’s hard, but don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on your path and trust that the right fit will happen for you.”
Roberts discerns the potency of keeping a positive attitude throughout this process while also trusting that everything truly works out the way it is supposed to.
In the wise words of Tim McGraw “…There’s no such thing as what might’ve been. That’s a waste of time, drives you out of your mind.” Do not dwell on what might have been, for all you are left with when the dust settles is what is.
Perseverance is adapting in the face of change, setbacks, or unruly outcomes you did not foresee. You got this, Gators.
Lastly, it is not what happens to you that defines you, rather it is how you respond to the situation at hand that truly measures your character. Life works best when we focus on where we’re going rather than where we’ve been. So with this understand that a new beginning is the chance to do whatever you want, wherever you want, and with whomever you want.
