What to do with any semblance of doubt…
Yesterday was a momentous day for anyone that witnessed the solar eclipse. For many, it was an existential moment that forced you to reflect and measure your place in this magnificent world. For me, however, this extraordinary event turned out to be more; it was one of those redefining moments. The eclipse itself was phenomenal, however the full effect of yesterday was realized in a simple conversation with a complete stranger I sat next to on the plane ride home.
Before I get to that, I need to give you some personal background:
In a few days I will be moving to New York City to attend NYU’s Gallatin School, a school that allows the self-directed student the opportunity to define an area of interest, study along side a faculty advisor, and take courses across all schools within the NYU ecosystem. Echoing the Apprentice Model of old, this is what I have wanted in my higher ed experience for some time now.
My main interest is urban systems and how they interact with food. As more and more people flood into urban spaces, the way we grow, supply, and consume food must become more creative. With sustainability at the core of my ethos, the future of food has boundless potential for ecological change. Whether its urban farming in freight containers, rooftop gardens to supplement food supplies, or greenhouse agriculture, I want to learn everything I can.
My life thus far has been a happy one. I have incredible friends and a family unparalleled by most. My high school years were generally good. I had two amazing girlfriends during my four years, played on several sports teams (was even the captain of a few), was involved on campus, and got pretty close to perfect grades. However, my college years thus far have mainly been occupied with episodes of my painfully drawn-out quarter life crisis (better earlier rather than later?) But generally, the past 2+ years have SUCKED.
NYU will be my 3rd higher ed. institution. Yes, I’ve somehow managed to successfully transfer two times while also taking a quarter off to “figure my shit out.” My friends and parents often mock me by saying I could be the Zagats guide for college campuses and culture. They wouldn’t be wrong. I have learned a lot about myself, the college ecosystem, and my peers.
That being said, I have never been more excited and optimistic about the future. I found a great apartment in the city, have planned out my coursework for the next semester and beyond, and I am ready for the opportunities ahead.
The eclipse, and the events after, opened my eyes to a way of thinking I have not subscribed to in awhile. As I boarded the plane back home from Wyoming, I was greeted by a cheerful, energetic man sitting in my row. Unlike the many monotonous and silent plane journeys in the past, we instantly hit it off. After chatting about our respective paths for the entire 2 hour trip, he left me with this beautiful image. He said “whenever you go for something or try something new, there will always be some semblance of doubt.” He urged me to notice that feeling, reflect on it, and then “chop it away as if you had a Samurai sword in hand. Just feel the doubt and then chop it away. Embrace the times of struggle. These times will lead to more learning and growth than any other times in your life.”
Together, this simple image and a “once in a lifetime” astronomical event have completely realigned my goals, aspirations, and psyche for the year ahead. Doubt is inevitable. Times of unease and stress are part of life. Don’t ignore them, embrace them. Power through and dig deeper. When they get in your way and put distance between you and your goals, pick up the sword and start chopping. Cheers to the open road ahead and new beginnings.
