Independence

People say that you should treasure your childhood and adolescene. I do agree with that, but I have to admit, being an adult is nice too. Today I chose to ditch a class in order to study for an exam I have for another class. It's a wonderful feeling, to make a choice and know that -- in college at least -- there is no one to jump all over you and demand to know where you were and why no one was informed of your actions. I decided what the best option would be and then followed through with it. End of story.

It's not to say that independence should be used as an excuse for irresponsibility -- just because I can doesn't mean I should. In this instance though, I looked at my priorities and proceeded from there. Taking an extra hour and a half to study for an exam I'm not completely prepared for makes more sense to me than attending a class that makes allowances for absences anyway. Now that I think about it, this is the first class I've missed all semester. I could have missed more and it would have been fine. As it stands, I've chosen to go classes -- not an obligation, but a choice. Attending class is important to me, but if something I feel is more important presents itself, then I hope that I will act according to my priorities.

If people would rather not attend class, then that's great. If they feel it's important to never miss a class, then that's great too. The beauty is that it's up to the individual to make a decision. It's the independence that leads to growth or detriment, whichever you prefer. I'm thankful that I was raised the way I was, because it has taught me to think for myself and consider what I feel is important. It's why I'm taking the classes I'm taking. It's why I'm going to this school. It's why I go to the church I do and spend time investing in the friendships I've maintained and started. It's why I'm dating Ben and why I enjoy doing certain things.

I understand that more significant decisions are coming, ones that carry much more weight than ditching a class; I just hope that I can make good ones and not abuse the independence I have.