Throughout life, most people only really look forward. They focus on their future, their goals and aspirations, and the future of their loved ones. Having goals is admirable, and constantly reaching for those goals even more so. But I also think it is important to look at how far you have come, to see the road already traversed. 

This is especially important for college. As students, we are constantly focusing on how many credits we have left, what classes we will need to take, when the next test is, etc. We never take the time to slow down, and appreciate the journey of life thus far. Since I am a freshman who is just getting into the groove of college, I figured this would be the perfect time for me to reflect on my life, and see what has been traversed thus far. 

For the most part, my early days were happy ones. I had a loving family, and never felt out of place. I liked learning, especially through books. I used to be a reading machine. Most nights, I would stay up late reading any book I could get my hands on. Some of the most influential books I read were Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, 100 Cupboards, and Howl’s Moving Castle. However, my favorite book by far is All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. The story was truly beautiful, with complex themes and symbols. But it did not require you to analyze the story to enjoy it. It was a book I could read throughout my life, and find something new in it each time. For me, reading was an integral part of my childhood. It is one of the things I want to pick up again. 

School came very easily to me, even as a kid. I learned to read very quickly, science fascinated me, and I loved history. This was partially due to my teachers, some of which I still talk to. But it was also because my parents encouraged my hard work, over my intelligence. This made little me want to work hard, rather than simply do well. The one subject I have always struggled in is math. In first grade, we always took these timed tests. I never did well on them, and the failure would eat at me like acid.

While I felt happy at home, I had a hard time making friends in school. Unlike my classmates, I was never athletic. I strongly disliked sports, still do. While this was fine in the early years, it became very important in middle school. My dislike of sports alienated me from many of my peers. I only had a small circle of tight knit friends, many of which really only wanted to play video games. And while I myself was not sporty, I wanted to do something more than stare at a screen all day. I tried science club, but I never felt I did anything of substance there. I felt lonely in school, and became very reclusive. 

Band was a godsend for me. Finally there was something I could try that didn’t involve sports. It gave me a group of friends to bond with, but what is more, it gave me a purpose. I finally had an outlet, something I could do when I was bored, or upset. Band also taught me what it meant to work hard. With football, baseball, and soccer, I could not do much. No matter how much I tried, I was always the slowest runner, or the weakest thrower. But with band, there was a proportional ratio between hard work and results. If I worked hard, I played better. I started off as a trumpet, but in high school, I traded in my trumpet for a much bigger baritone. I wish I had the time to play here. Even now, 6 months after I have stopped playing, I get the urge to pick up a baritone, and play.

Looking back now, at my love for books, at my reclusiveness, and my band days, I was able to see my own ups and downs, and appreciate the journey already taken. I encourage all of you to take a moment to reflect on your early days. Thank you.