wisdom..

The most important piece of advice or wisdom that I have gotten is pretty typical, it just came to me at a very untypical way. Everyone always says "Do what makes you happy" or "If you do something, make sure that you are happy with it, don't do it for others acceptance." I always kept this in the back of my mind, because like I said in a previous post, I will do anything to make my parents happy, or earn their blessing. Especially my father's. My parents divorced when I was very young, and I have always lived with my mother. She has been so very supportive and I know that no matter what clubs I join, college I went to, or future job that I hope to have she will be my number one fan. My father on the other hand has always come across to me as this discerning figure that could only be satisfied with the brightest and the best. For years I have struggled with this, and being able to not only satisfy him, but also maintain intentions for myself. When I was in high school, I applied for a scholarship that would pay my tuition, as long as I taught for 4 years in Wilson County afterward. I was granted that scholarship, and was excited! (I was going to college, and my parents did not have to foot the bill)

Now going through school and getting involved as much as I can on campus, I decided that I wanted to continue to grad school for Higher Education/Student Affairs. I am faced with a dilemma because I would have to pay back the scholarship that I mentioned previously. I have talked to my dad about it so many times, and up until recently he has been somewhat disapproving. I finally, after about the thirtieth time mentioning it, conveyed my passion for student leadership and my desire to work with college students to give them that same experience. After a long and very intense phone conversation my dad simply said, "I am very proud of all that you accomplished, and I know you will be great at whatever you do. You are only going to be truly happy if you are doing something that you enjoy."