As a student, I have often felt an invisible pressure to have my entire life planned out, to know exactly which career path I’m heading toward, to maintain a vibrant social life, to be emotionally strong, and to appear confident and composed. From conversations with family to casual remarks from peers and even social media posts, the message is clear: by a certain age, you should have it all together.
But here’s the truth that many of us hesitate to admit — no one really has it all together. Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of twists and turns that no one can fully prepare us for. Yet, this pressure to appear perfect and certain remains a myth that traps many young people in anxiety and self-doubt. We are told to be productive every moment, to excel academically, to build strong networks, and to maintain a positive mental health balance all at the same time. But the reality is different. Life doesn’t hand out a clear, easy roadmap. Growth is not linear. Sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back. Sometimes we get lost, and sometimes we find new paths we never imagined. And that’s not only okay, it’s normal.
Through my ongoing study in sociology, I have come to understand that our paths are shaped not only by our choices but also by the social and cultural forces around us. Expectations from family, traditions, economic situations, and peer influence all play a part in how we see ourselves and our futures. This awareness has helped me to be kinder to myself and others, knowing that everyone’s journey is unique and often complicated. It’s okay to pause and not know what comes next. It’s okay to ask for help, to explore different interests, and to change directions. It’s okay to be vulnerable and admit when we don’t feel confident. In fact, these moments of uncertainty can be some of the most powerful. They push us to question what truly matters, to reflect deeply on who we want to become, and to grow in ways that certainty never could.
As students, we are not lost, we are explorers navigating a complex world. Each step, each mistake, each moment of doubt is part of the journey toward becoming the person we are meant to be.
So, to every fellow student who feels pressured to have a fixed plan, remember this: life is not a race or a test. It is a journey filled with learning, discovery, and endless possibilities. Allow yourself the grace to be human, and you might find that not having it all together is where the real growth begins.
Niepuvinuo Rhitso,
BA 5th Semester
Department of Sociology,
Modern College, Piphema
Wednesday, July 2, 2025