Oh, the Places You'll Go!

 Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

I hope that you are all familiar with Dr. Seuss. If not, you probably want to work on that one. I've always loved Dr. Seuss, and I even tried to get a scholarship through a Dr. Seuss essay. It actually was on the book that I quoted above, Oh, the Places You'll Go! Recently I've been redirected to this book and it's really helped me to keep things in perspective.

A little over a month ago I moved to Alaska to work for the summer. It was difficult for me to come here hardly knowing anybody and be required to make the most of it. I'm not very good at being social and putting myself out there, so making friends was a little hard, and I was sinking into a little pit of despair. I talked with my parents often, and the one day my dad suggested I reread Oh, the Places You'll Go!, and apply it to my life. Many times this book is given at graduations to inspire people to go anyway that they choose, and that is really the only part I remembered about it. That's not a bad thing, but there is a lot more to the story than just choosing you're own direction. You're encouraged to aim high and be the best.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.

You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.

Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

However, I feel like the book is also realistic when it comes to life. Because who can be the best always? I know some of us would raise our hand if asked that question in a public atmosphere, but, honestly, I don't believe there's one person in this world who doesn't have doubts.

Except when you don't.

Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so

but, sadly, it's true

that Bang-ups

and Hang-ups

can happen to you.

Isn't that true? Coming to Alaska was a bang-up for me at first. I was liking it here, but I wasn't sure I would be able to really become involved and love my time here. Then I thought to myself, Courtney. You. Are. Ridiculous. Seriously, you're in ALASKA. You drove here, and you have a great opportunity to make new friends, discover new things about yourself, and live in a beautiful place! How can you be negative about life when you are experiencing things you will look back on and never regret! Some people never have the chance to travel and see the world, and you're complaining because you are? Where is the sense in that?

So, I decided to be more positive. When things were looking down, I would find two things that were looking up. I tried to be more out-going so that I could make new friends. I decided to love everyday here for one reason or another. And you know what? It worked. It took me a while to get into the swing of things, but I did it. I won't say I'm perfect and I know everything and anything about Fairbanks, but I love it here. I've made a few friends that have helped me be more positive about me and to not be afraid of putting myself out there. I've found places that I love, and I continue to explore and love more things. I've told a few people back home that they should be thankful the mosquitoes are huge and the winter is horrible, because I would probably end up staying here if they weren't. :)

I mean, this is seriously what I get to see everyday. The sun is constantly up, there's always somebody who wants to have fun, and it's finally warm! I also have gotten to live with some great people, and become closer with Whitney. I mean, we see each other all of the time, so we share everything. Sometimes, it's a little crazy, but I love it.

Things may get rough, but there is always something to love. If you focus on the bright side, then the dark side will be out-shined.

Kid, you'll move mountains!

Dr. Seuss

Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday!

 

Pretty much, Dr. Seuss is awesome and he says the coolest things... Before I came to college I entered a scholarship contest for Dr. Seuss, where I wrote a one-page essay on the book Oh, the Places You'll Go! Unfortunately, I didn't win, but I still really like my essay. Today I just wanted to share it with you.

My Quest

Today is the day; it's the start of my quest, where the choices I make will prove I'm the best. It's a journey that will lead me to self-actualization, but I also go forth with the keen realization, that unless I am true I am likely to stray, down any number of false paths I confront every day.  Where I can develop an awareness of self, so my talents won’t just gather dust on a shelf. But I know I have been given the tools that I need, as I head off to college prepared to succeed. At last I am off to many a place, apprehensive of the trials and challenges I’ll face.

Lots of adventure, new faces and sights as I “step out of town” and onto great heights. Where possibilities are endless that I can achieve, if in my abilities I only believe. The path I choose will lead me to college, where I will converse with the conveyers of knowledge. They can give me more tools as I continue on my quest, to choose the vocation that will serve me the best. Countless doors will be waiting to be opened by me, as I work toward my goal of a college degree.

            Dark times will arise and I will begin to question, whether I am headed in the right direction. Sometimes I think about all of my doubts; tough teachers, failures, and homesickness bouts. Parents have always been there by my side, to calm all my fears and help me decide. Not having them close I’ll have to transition; cook, clean and take care of myself; a few just to mention. But I am not one to wait for life to happen to me, I know I’ll take charge of the things that I do, hear, and see. I may enter college timid and unsure, but I know I’ll emerge strong and mature. “Oh, the places I’ll go” I can just hardly wait, because I know through the hardships things will still turn out great.