First-Year Student Journals : C.J. : Reflections

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Reflections

“Everything will eventually come to an end/So try to savor the moment, cuz time flies don’t it/The beauty of life, you gotta make it last for the better/Cuz nothin’ lasts forever”

—Nas, “Nothing Lasts Forever”

Music has always had a significant impact on my life. It’s hard for me to put to words how much I enjoy it. For as long as I can remember, it’s always had an influence on me. In elementary school, I memorized the words to Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step” and went as far as wearing my hair like him. Am I proud of that? That’s not the point. The point is music was one of the many elements that shaped the person I am today. Only recently, however, has music educated me, or gone as far to make me think. This quote by one of my favorites artists, Nas, placed me in a state of reflection, and made me consider the effects time, or the lack thereof, has on our lives.

It is my belief that time is the most powerful intangible element created by God. Time erodes. Time destroys. Time kills. Time is mankind’s biggest obstacle. How many of us are aware of this? It seems as though, however, subconsciously we are aware of time’s power. Since the beginning of time, man has strived to conquer time. Mankind’s determination to do so is evident in the non-stop advancement of technology. Why do we advance technologically? So we can accomplish tasks quicker. Time, however, is the one element we will never conquer. Time is sound. Time is constant. Time is infallible. It is the very reason “nothin’ lasts forever.”

This quote in particular leads me to reflect on the past. From this point in my life, I can’t help but look back at the days of high school, junior high or even elementary school. As I reflect, I realize that times have indeed changed dramatically. As Nas so truthfully states, “nothin’ lasts forever.” But we all know this, right? So what? Well, for those who are in the same position I am, the fact that “nothin’ lasts forever” can be a very intimidating revelation. My life before this transition from dependence to independence was incredible. I have two wonderful and hard working parents, who through their hard work and love for my siblings and me made it so that we never went without our needs being met. Actually, they even saw to it that many of our wants were met as well, provided that we were obedient and respectful. My times in school, from elementary to high school, were for the most part enjoyable. I had the support of my aunts, uncles, cousins and two amazing grandmothers in all that I did. Most important, however, I was fortunate enough to come up in a family where the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the top priority. There’s nothing more I could ask for in my life as an adolescent. Yes, I am certainly blessed.

Now, however, the transition from dependence to independence has occurred. I am no longer being guided through my life, choice by choice, by my parents or teachers. Here, my parents are not present, and I’m just another student in the eyes of my professors. My carefree life of dependence is officially over. I can’t help but wonder will the times ahead here at The University of Texas at Austin be as good as my times I had in my life of dependence? Is the grass greener on the side of independence? I know, without a doubt, that my life will be nothing like it was before here at the university. I can never go back to the way things were. This realization is very intimidating.

How do I deal with it? Two ways. First, I understand that I have reached the point in my life where I must ascend from my adolescence to manhood. I cannot remain dependent on my parents any longer. It’s time to move on. Whether or not I enjoy these years at The University of Texas at Austin is not an issue. The issue is that by attending this university, I have put myself in a position where I know I can ascend from my adolescence to adulthood. This university, and the city of Austin for that matter, provide me with the education, the resources and the opportunities to grow. I plan to take full advantage of them. The second way I deal with it is my belief in God. A friend of mine and I used to always say to one another, “God has a plan.” It has never been more appropriate than now. He does indeed have a plan. There is a reason for my existence. I have a purpose, designated by God, and I couldn’t be more blessed than if I was given the opportunity to fulfill it. That opportunity will come provided that I do not give into temptation and lose my way, but rather remain on the right path and continue to pray.



	C.J. \| Profile \| Reflections \| Journals: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Home
	Reflections “Everything will eventually come to an end/So try to savor the moment, cuz time flies don’t it/The beauty of life, you gotta make it last for the better/Cuz nothin’ lasts forever” —Nas, “Nothing Lasts Forever” Music has always had a significant impact on my life. It’s hard for me to put to words how much I enjoy it. For as long as I can remember, it’s always had an influence on me. In elementary school, I memorized the words to Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step” and went as far as wearing my hair like him. Am I proud of that? That’s not the point. The point is music was one of the many elements that shaped the person I am today. Only recently, however, has music educated me, or gone as far to make me think. This quote by one of my favorites artists, Nas, placed me in a state of reflection, and made me consider the effects time, or the lack thereof, has on our lives. It is my belief that time is the most powerful intangible element created by God. Time erodes. Time destroys. Time kills. Time is mankind’s biggest obstacle. How many of us are aware of this? It seems as though, however, subconsciously we are aware of time’s power. Since the beginning of time, man has strived to conquer time. Mankind’s determination to do so is evident in the non-stop advancement of technology. Why do we advance technologically? So we can accomplish tasks quicker. Time, however, is the one element we will never conquer. Time is sound. Time is constant. Time is infallible. It is the very reason “nothin’ lasts forever.” This quote in particular leads me to reflect on the past. From this point in my life, I can’t help but look back at the days of high school, junior high or even elementary school. As I reflect, I realize that times have indeed changed dramatically. As Nas so truthfully states, “nothin’ lasts forever.” But we all know this, right? So what? Well, for those who are in the same position I am, the fact that “nothin’ lasts forever” can be a very intimidating revelation. My life before this transition from dependence to independence was incredible. I have two wonderful and hard working parents, who through their hard work and love for my siblings and me made it so that we never went without our needs being met. Actually, they even saw to it that many of our wants were met as well, provided that we were obedient and respectful. My times in school, from elementary to high school, were for the most part enjoyable. I had the support of my aunts, uncles, cousins and two amazing grandmothers in all that I did. Most important, however, I was fortunate enough to come up in a family where the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the top priority. There’s nothing more I could ask for in my life as an adolescent. Yes, I am certainly blessed. Now, however, the transition from dependence to independence has occurred. I am no longer being guided through my life, choice by choice, by my parents or teachers. Here, my parents are not present, and I’m just another student in the eyes of my professors. My carefree life of dependence is officially over. I can’t help but wonder will the times ahead here at The University of Texas at Austin be as good as my times I had in my life of dependence? Is the grass greener on the side of independence? I know, without a doubt, that my life will be nothing like it was before here at the university. I can never go back to the way things were. This realization is very intimidating. How do I deal with it? Two ways. First, I understand that I have reached the point in my life where I must ascend from my adolescence to manhood. I cannot remain dependent on my parents any longer. It’s time to move on. Whether or not I enjoy these years at The University of Texas at Austin is not an issue. The issue is that by attending this university, I have put myself in a position where I know I can ascend from my adolescence to adulthood. This university, and the city of Austin for that matter, provide me with the education, the resources and the opportunities to grow. I plan to take full advantage of them. The second way I deal with it is my belief in God. A friend of mine and I used to always say to one another, “God has a plan.” It has never been more appropriate than now. He does indeed have a plan. There is a reason for my existence. I have a purpose, designated by God, and I couldn’t be more blessed than if I was given the opportunity to fulfill it. That opportunity will come provided that I do not give into temptation and lose my way, but rather remain on the right path and continue to pray.