Don't Let Fear Dominate

Student Printz

University of Southner Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

Summer 1996

Fear is a funny thing. It stops us from doing a lot of stupid things, but it can also ruin our lives. As I start y senior year, I am having to face many of my fears. Will I get a job? One that I like? What kind of job do I want? have I done everything I can to prepare myself for the real world? Do I have enough courses to graduate? What will happen to me once I leave the security of the university? Where will I be this time next year? In five years? Ten?

Seniors face these questions everyday as we go to seminars on job hunting, meet with our advisors and prepare for graduation. And it is very, very scary.

It is easy to sit back and follow the path laid out for you. It is well traveled and secure. For most of our lives, whether we know it or not, we have been following "the plan."

You know which one I mean. You do a good job in high school, go to a good college, get a good job and live a good life. "The plan" will give you just that - a good life, not a great one, and if that's what you want, then good for you.

However, many of you out there want much more than that. I, for one, do not relish the thought of waking up every day, going to the same office and looking at the same people for the next 30 years until I retire.

If you get people to be totally honest with you about what they want they would like to do in life, you might be surprised at their responses. Everyone has dreams and aspirations that are not commonplace or easily accomplished.

Few people become millionaires by following "the plan." If you want to be happy and successful, then you have to take risks. You may spend the next few years struggling to survive. But what is more important, immediate financial security or long-term fulfillment?

There are so many people who choose to simply follow "the plan" and then at some point realize that they regret all the chances they did not take. But no one should have regrets in life. To have to look back and thank, "What if?" is one of the worst things in the world.

Now is the time to take risks, before you have a family, car, mortgage and all the other responsibilities that come with adulthood.

College is the perfect place to pursue your dreams. If you want to write, call up the paper. College is little world where if you mess up, it is not that bad. you can be anything you allow yourself to be.

This is my senior year. It took me two and a half years to get up the courage to do what I want, not what my parents, teachers and society want for or expect of me. I only have one year left here, and I plan to make the most of it.

As the Class of 2000 enters the university, many of you have no majors or any idea about what you want to do. That's OK.

Take this year to get involved in whatever your heart desires. Do not succumb to the pressure to declare yourself pre-med, pre-law or anything else. If is your life to do with as you want. Upperclassmen, it is not too late. TAke control of your life and do not be scared to take a chance. I read a No Fear T-shirt that said "Are you afraid to die, or just afraid to live?" I am no longer afraid. Are you?