Happiness is Knowing the Difference

As a senior at TCU, I can say that your college experience does go by in the blink of an eye. I’ve had people come into my life. I’ve had people leave my life. I’ve been in relationships, and I’ve been single. I decreased my commitment to my faith and, at other times, found myself pushing forward in my commitment. College is one of those experiences that are indescribable as you see yourself, and others go through so much change in such a short period. I think it is a time in your life to mature, to grow, to learn, and to enjoy life. My time at TCU has been nothing short of a fairy-tale. I have been so incredibly lucky with the opportunities and people I have met during my time at TCU. I think one of the most important lessons I have learned, particularly this semester, is this; some things matter, others don’t, and happiness is knowing the difference.

During my freshman year of college, I was incredibly stressed out when it came to school. I worked so hard in my classes and was always stressing about my next test or next assignment. Although my grades have played a significant impact on my future career, I wish that I had sometimes taken the time to spend more time getting to know my fellow classmates and students. What I have learned is that some things don’t matter. Sometimes getting a B on a quiz because you spent the night hanging out with your friends is worth it.

One thing that I have learned that matters are relationships and people. I’m not sure what it is about TCU, but the people at TCU are unlike any other community I have ever been a part of. The people at this school are unique. Money, clothes, cars, etc. have never given me fulfillment in my life. The one thing that brings me consistent joy and satisfaction is through the relationships I have found through this school and its organizations. People will bring you happiness in this lifetime. People will bring you up, encourage you, and push you to be the best version of yourself. I will forever be grateful for the people I have had the opportunity to surround myself with at TCU.

It isn’t easy to know what makes you happy, so instead, I have learned to understand that some things matter, others don’t, and happiness is knowing the difference. Some things in this life don’t matter. People that don’t encourage you shouldn’t matter. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t get that internship. It doesn’t matter that you got a C on one of your tests. Some things don’t matter.

TCU has given me some of the greatest experiences, inside and outside of the classroom, and I look forward to contributing to the TCU community in the future in whatever capacity I can. TCU matters, and TCU has brought me so much happiness.

What makes you happy?