LIM College

by Rufina Yuspova

How many of you are scared that your dreams aren’t “practical enough?” How many of you hesitate to think outside of the box in fear of being judged? How many are worried that it’s just too late to pursue the dreams you’ve always had? How many of you think you just don’t have what it takes?

 I would like to let you know how terribly wrong you are. Forget practicality. Forget judgment. Remember that it is never too late to follow your heart. Always remind yourself that you have more than what it takes.

Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” has been my favorite since I was 13. At the time, I had no idea that I’d be taking the road less traveled by. I dove head first into my dreams, praying the landing at the end would be a soft one. Regardless, I knew it would be worth it. 

I started out as a political science student contemplating law school. Being a lawyer sounded like a respectable, stable job. My parents certainly approved of the idea. As a matter of fact, everyone approved of the idea. But what on earth did any of that matter if I was miserable? Who was I doing this for anyway? After a while, I wasn’t so sure anymore, but I was definitely not doing it for myself.

Two years and one month. That’s how long I lived a life that wasn’t mine to live. If I had just stuck it out a bit longer, I could have had my undergraduate degree in May 2014. Instead, I found myself cleaning out my dorm room and handing in my key a month after moving in for my junior year. One really big leap of faith. That’s all it took to get where I am today.

Applying to LIM College was the greatest decision I’ve made. It feels as if my life finally fell into place. I had to start my college career all over again and I prolonged those years of college. I had to adjust to an entirely new life… but at least this one feels like it’s mine.  

As I suspected, it was completely worth it. I found myself within my passion for the fashion industry. I became someone I was proud to look at in the mirror every morning. I started to accomplish bigger things than I could’ve dreamed of. 

So, to everyone wondering if your dreams are too big... Always aim to dream bigger. I hope you find the courage to venture away from the “practicality” and dive head first into your passion. I hope you decide to be proud to stand out. I hope you choose to take the road less traveled.