Changing and Growing Within Yourself

By Annie Marino

Change is a good thing. I can say that now and believe it, but I certainly haven’t always thought so. Change can be terrifying, and in the past, I avoided it at all costs. Even the little things – I haven’t drastically changed my hair in years! However, I’ve come to realize that change really is a good thing. I can personally reflect on this by evaluating how much I’ve changed since my Sophomore year of high school. 

Sophomore year of high school. 2017-2018 was not the best time for me. Now, I hardly recognize the person that I was back then. During my Sophomore year, I was only sixteen years old, and naive. I always looked at other people for approval and never put myself first. In May of 2018, right at the end of the school year, I lost a friendship that I expected to have for the rest of my life. We were like family – we grew up together alongside each other for fifteen years. Once I lost this friendship, I completely changed. At the time, I thought it was the worst thing that happened to me, but upon reflection, it was actually the best thing. 

Fast forward to my sophomore year of college. 2021. I’ve changed a great deal since high school. Now, I put myself first, and I have a better sense of my independence. Today, I look out for myself and know that my happiness and well-being should be my number one priority, no matter what. I care deeply for my friends, but I know that I cannot rely on them entirely for my happiness. I have to take care of my body and mind, and focus on how I can better myself. I have to avoid worrying about other people and their perception of me. I am also now a more independent person. I’ve always been independent, but after this friendship breakup, I really grew into myself; I learned that I have to hold myself up, and not rely on others to do so. The only person who truly has your back is yourself. 

Sophomore year high school vs. Sophomore college. One is gone and in the past, and one is in progress. Going through that friendship breakup during my Sophomore year of high school completely changed me - though some may find that dramatic to say. However, I have full confidence that it shaped me into the person that I am today. If there’s anything you should take away from reading this article, it is to not be afraid of change. Don’t be scared to let loose and be independent. Go on a walk by yourself, and listen to your favorite album (I would suggest Red (Taylor’s Versions)! Join new clubs where you can make friends, and step outside of your comfort zone. Be spontaneous. My sixteen-year-old high school self would be proud of twenty-year-old sophomore year of college me. Over these next two and half years of college, I hope that I continue to grow and change for the better.