try.

February 16, 2011


I'm not old enough to play baseball or football. I'm not eight yet. My mom told me when you start baseball, you aren't going to be able to run that fast because you had an operation. I told Mom I wouldn't need to run that fast. When I play baseball, I'll just hit them out of the park. Then I'll be able to walk.
-Edward J. McGrath, Jr


When I began college, there were things I was afraid of trying because I was afraid of failing. But about a year or so ago, I changed my major (debated on changing schools) because after three years of being "comfortable" with what I was doing, I wanted to challenge myself to try something I loved even more -- even if that meant risking failure (and an extra year or two of school). I was stressed. Stressed, anxious and to be honest, doubtful. I had to rearrange my plans for graduation, I had to switch over to an entirely new class load and become familiar with a whole new curriculum.
Yes, doubtful is the right word. And stressed.




A few weeks ago, after completing the prerequisite courses and working on a lot of other projects, interviews, essays and assignments for this field, I finally finished. This meant that all I had to do for the next few weeks was wait. Even then, I would ask myself over and over, "Why? Why? Why?" - I wondered what I'd do if I didn't get in and what that would mean... (another 18 years of college, I convinced myself). In a nutshell, why was I brave enough to risk so much?

Well, I woke up this morning with a knot in my stomach -- today was the day I would receive my letter. I almost tripped out the door in a rush to open the envelope and read the verdict:





I was accepted. I nearly fainted, but instead I just cried (luckily no one was around). And when I arrived to class (fifteen minutes late) a friend pulled out the story above (about the boy playing baseball) for me to read on his computer.

It was all so fitting.

And to be honest, I've never been so happy with an accomplishment. Even my first kiss didn't feel this good.

So naturally, I thought I'd blog about it.
Because today is such a good day,
And because today I'm so unbelievably glad and grateful I tried.


(ps. turns out i won't be 40 when i graduate after all!)

11 comments:

Tiffany said...

Love the quote. That is very inspiring. Congrats on being accepted!!!!

I need to get out of my comfort zone. It's very hard to do.

Mary said...

Congratulations! I very much admire people who are able to take risks like this...good for you!

Steph Romney said...

Ye-yeah! Congrats miss lady:) That is so exciting and relieving, I'm sure!

Griffin and Gretchen said...

wow! congrats! what a perfect story to go along with your accomplishment

andrea said...

congratulations! what is your new major & the program you are accepted into?

i am 20 and just changed my major. i found out yesterday that i got accepted into my program & i was so excited and so relieved. i can totally relate to you! congratulations again! :)

Mandy said...

Really happy for you Kels. You deserve it!

Catherine said...

Congrats, congrats, congrats! There is no better feeling in the world than knowing your hard work paid off! And maybe I'll see you at the U in the Fall. :) Love the story as well. Without a doubt, you deserve good things like this to come your way!

Caiti said...

Congrats! Congrats! CONGRATS!!! I'm so excited for you!! What an inspiration and what a perfect day for you to blog about this - I just started reading The Alchemist this evening, which is what your blog today is all about!

Brittany said...

Aaaaah! Congrats Kels! I'm so happy this is working out and I seriously can't wait to see you on the news one day. This post was so inspiring and genuine. I think you're the greatest.

Kate said...

Yay, congratulations! So glad to hear that!

Anonymous said...

SO PROUD OF YOU! :)

Powered by Blogger · Designed by Pish and Posh Designs