Kayden Anderson

one thought that plagues every 17-23 year old’s mind is “what am i going to do with my life?” this answer has always been simple for me–write. When i was 17, i decided where i wanted to attend college and my major (Southern methodist university and fashion media). then, i got into smu early and my prayers were answered…until i decided i wasn’t sure if i really wanted to move to dallas. i once again decided on a college and major (university of oklahoma and journalism). all was right in my world, and i knew what i was doing with my life. until now.

questions that people ask evolve from “where are you going to school and what are you going for?” to “what are you going to do after graduation?” somehow from my first year in college to the second year, friends and family have adapted this unspoken change. I’m back at square one now because i honestly don’t have a reply.

i can’t say that i’m waiting for the answer to come to me in the middle of the night like it did for my college switch. i can’t say that i’m expecting divine intervention, and i definitely can’t say what i’m really thinking: i have no idea what i’m doing with my life.

i love investigative reporting, but i also love feature writing. i respect print journalism, but it’s becoming extinct. i want a journalism career but the 24/7 news lifestyle intimidates me while a desk job bores me. there are so many classes i want to take and opportunities that i want to experience that i take away from being where my feet are.

realistically, i know “what do you want to do after graduation?” is not that deep, and most people probably don’t even listen to the response. i think the most important reminder i should take from these interactions is to enjoy the moment. semesters fly by and college only lasts so long. i can’t be 20 if I’m worried about being 25. i don’t know where i’ll be in 10 years, but i promise you i’ll have a pen in my hand and a list of questions in my mind.

So here’s a virtual toast to not knowing what i’m doing with my life. at the end of the day, though, i’ll figure it out. i’m only 20.

keep living the dream,

Kayden