College is an ideal place for personal growth and independence

Gabriella Pinos/Staff Writer

Independence. It’s a word we associate with freedom, self-sufficiency, confidence, and even fulfillment.

These are all things that I, as a college student, lack.

If we go by the Merriam Webster definition of the word alone – “not requiring or relying on something else” – I can automatically assume that I am not an independent person.

I still live with my parents and have no immediate plans to move out. My mother is happy to cook my meals and drive me to class, if needed. When I want to go out with my friends, I ask them to give me a ride. And even though I have a part-time job, I still depend on my family for larger purchases.

So, when I dream of owning a car and my own apartment one day, I’m reminded of how much I rely on the people around me. I blame myself for falling short of who I could be: a confident, successful, independent woman.

But I’m also reminded of another trait that is just as, if not more, important than independence: maturity.

Unlike independence, achieving maturity is a process that involves purging our mentality, interests and attitude throughout our lives. Like fire purifying gold, enduring it makes us more valuable and precious than when we first stepped into the unknown.

But achieving that status takes time and patience, traits that most people exchange for instant gratification.

The prominence of sexual harassment cases in Hollywood and the manipulative actions of world leaders prove to me that immaturity is rampant in society. While some public figures act like spoiled high school brats, others never break out of their cocoons, preferring to stay in their comfort zone and watch as the powerful bully their way to the top.

Age, success and self-reliance are both aspects of maturity, but they don’t mean that a person has evolved into a better version of themselves. Instead, being truly independent is defined by the way your personality matures over time and your willingness to be your own person, both inside and out.

College is an ideal time to develop those traits and discover our identity. We grow through experience, and there’s no better way to accomplish that than by participating in Greek life, studying abroad or getting an internship.

There’s a lot to reaching a state of maturity, more than just living alone and getting a job. While college is a weird in-between where we’re transitioning from awkward teenagers to slightly less awkward adults, it’s never too late to start thinking about your future self.

If you have a plan in mind for what you want to be after college, it’s never too early to pursue those dreams. Building toward your long-term goals, whether it involves starting a career or buying a home, can lead you a few steps closer to full maturity.

Surrounding yourself with friends who will challenge you to reach new heights is also essential to discovering yourself. Trying to be independent shouldn’t mean isolating yourself from people who can help you accomplish your dreams.

While some choose to live vicariously through others or remove themselves from social interaction, it’s important to receive support from loved ones who can help you thrive, according to Psychology Today.

In the end, it’s our choice whether we want to go through the growing pains that maturity involves. While I may be young and dependent on loved ones, I acknowledge that my personality has evolved over time.

And, with my college career set in motion, I’m assured that I will soon develop into the confident woman I picture myself becoming.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash.

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