College Life and Friendship

Friends to Keep 

In life, the people we engage with or the circumstances we encounter in life, ultimately teaches us diverse things about life. For my part, I had the honor of learning a great deal from the people who served as my childhood heroes and role models. In an ideal world, a person's actions would mirror their inner self, which would be evident in their traits, interpersonal interactions, and capacity to handle various life situations. Personally, when I was growing up, I faced a number of difficulties, some of which came about spontaneously and others of which were the consequence of someone else's actions. Still, despite those difficulties, there is a saying that my dad used to say to me when I was still father’s little boy and I could really get motivated. 

My father could say " My son, life will hit you harder than anyone else will. But, note this, the always test lies in how hard you can take a blow and yet keep going. That is the mindset of a victor.” 

But, being young and naive, I didn't comprehend the meaning of these words. The words became clear as I became older and confronted life's realities. Despite facing challenges in life, I have always committed myself to living life to the fullest. My father’s words have been a great foundation for me and a means to persevere the obstacles I face in an ideal world. 

A year ago, I had an experience that led to the development of poor self-esteem during my transfer from high school to university. Harvard university has always been my dream institution. And when I got letter of admission to Western University, my heart shattered. Everybody dreams of studying in Harvard! 

If you haven’t heard anything about Harvard, then I will tell you. Harvard is a world class university that has produced great and influential figures such as Mark Zuckerberg and many more. Who couldn’t want to join such an institution? Who? 

When I knew, I had failed to secure a chance in my dream university and instead, I was to join Western university, my spirit went low. This sad news had a significant negative impact on my social interactions until when my father contacted me and reminded about his sporadic quote. After a chat with my dad, I realized how important I was to this life. I definitely realized that all I am to do is keep going forward. 

But, unexpectedly, life at Western University turned out to be more exciting and enriching than I had anticipated. The people I met, the classes I attended, and the experiences I gained gradually became invaluable. My mindset shifted from viewing it as a compromise to seeing it as an opportunity for growth.

 A month ago, as I was having my usual stroll around the campus after my WRITING 1000 G class, I bumped into a vibrant and spirited young woman named Christine. Her enthusiasm for life mirrored my father's words about resilience and perseverance. Christine became my close friend helping me see the beauty in the present and appreciate the opportunities that had come my way. 

"Christine, sometimes I still find myself yearning for Harvard, you know?" I admitted to her one afternoon as we sat on the steps of the university library. 

She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and responded, "Harvard might be a dream, but dreams can be found in unexpected places too. Don't forget that." 

Our conversation was interrupted by a lively laughter approaching us. Turning around, I saw two more characters joining our impromptu gathering. A tall guy with an easygoing demeanor introduced himself as Han, and a bubbly, artistic girl named Meliza completed our quartet. 

"Hey there! Mind if we join in the fun?" Han grinned, extending a hand in greeting. Later on, I realized they both know each other, they had similar units in several classes. 

The four of us soon became inseparable, navigating the challenges of university life together. Han, with his laid-back attitude, offered a different perspective on success and happiness. Meliza, with her artistic flair, taught us the beauty of embracing creativity in every aspect of life. 

As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, our diverse backgrounds and aspirations created a harmonious blend of support and understanding. In the face of challenges, we leaned on each other, sharing the wisdom and experiences that had shaped us. 

One evening, as the sun set over the campus, casting a warm glow on the buildings, we found ourselves absorbed in a deep conversation about dreams and destiny. 

"Life is like a canvas," Meliza mused, her eyes sparkling with passion. "It's up to us to paint it with the colors of our choices and experiences." 

Han nodded in agreement, adding, "And sometimes, the unexpected strokes on the canvas become the most beautiful parts of the masterpiece." 

Christine, ever the optimist, interrupted, "Harvard might have been the original dream, but look at the masterpiece we're creating right here and now." 

I smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the friends who had become my second family. My father's words echoed in my mind, reinforcing the idea that life's victories are not always found in achieving the initial dreams but in the resilience to adapt and make the most of unexpected opportunities.

 As we continued our conversation, I realized that the lessons learned from these diverse individuals had become an integral part of my journey. Life, as my father had wisely said, would hit hard, but the ability to keep moving forward, to adapt, and to find joy in unexpected places defined the mindset of a victor.