:::The College Growing Pain:::

I used to think that in order to make a difference I had to be extreme, plan an elaborate trip, or be the leader in some way. But what I'm discovering is that the biggest differences can be made using just a few tools. 

At the age of five I wanted to be the Quick Lube mechanic who investigated underneath the car. I aspired to achieve greatness. Obviously. With the passage of every birthday, my career goals were redirected. Through the years I was convinced that I was going to be the Walmart greeter, a country music singer, or the host on QVC. My three note range and southern draw quickly placed a damper on a couple of those dreams. Luckily, I'm perfectly qualified to endorse rollback prices while reppin' a blue vest.

After a childhood full of dreaming and planning, you reach an age when that adolescent wonder turns to reality. The uncertainty no longer exists and somewhere along the way you choose what you want to be when "you grow up".

I've been mistaken all these years because I thought by answering the what, everything else would fall into place. We've been asking ourselves the wrong question.

College is such a unique era. It's a time when you can remember vivid details of your elementary and teen years while simultaneously taking giant steps towards independence. College is a constant slumber party, an emotional see-saw, a cup of coffee and great conversation, a long run along the Tennessee River, and a time when eating Fourth Meal with your friends at 3am is acceptable. College is a time to befriend strangers, understand other viewpoints, voice your beliefs, dance without reservation, and let go of the parts of life that keep you from becoming the greatest version of yourself. 

Oh, and school. College is about that too. 

But you see, being a college student is more than deciding what you want to be...it's about becoming who you want to be. The passage of time moves swiftly in one direction. Tick. Time doesn't take a break. Tick. Time doesn't come with a rewind setting. Tick. Time is here. Tick.

When I grow up, I want to live a life of intention. I want to make people smile. I want to be spontaneous. I want to be present and engaged in other peoples lives. I want to be genuine. I want to laugh at myself. I want to make every day count. I want to forgive quickly. I want to make a difference. 

Looking back, my first career choice may have been the best. Unlike the Walmart greeter, the country singer, or the tv host, the face of the mechanic working underneath the car is often hidden. The mechanic goes to work everyday with his sleeves rolled up, knowing that the job is not easy. The mechanic doesn't worry about the body of the car, his job is to focus on what remains unseen. Sometimes he feels as if his role is insignificant, but without the attention, fine tuning and auditing of the mechanic then the car would fail to run. 

We should strive to be that type of friend for someone else. Making a difference begins now. It begins exactly where you are by engaging with those around you, speaking from your heart, and worrying more about who than what. 

Now it's time (Tick.) for me to ask you a question.

Who do you want to be when YOU grow up? 

 jpr