Yes, this may seem extremely common to any 16 year old in their junior year of high school, specially since in exactly one year I am expected to start the application process . I realised that the moment would come much later than sooner considering that every time that someone starts talking about colleges, and careers I still answer with a "when I grow up". I think I hadn't really realised that I already kinda did...
I was startled when I heard my father call my name a bunch of times. I had spaced out ( very common due to my low attention span) and just like that I started feeling nostalgic, suddenly I wanting to go to my grade school class painting flowers and playing with barbies.
I eventually knew that I would have do this , I have seen it and lived it with both of my siblings. I had always been excited visiting the colleges they wished to apply, seeing them work the rigorous applications and finally taking their picture when they finally moved to their dorm. I hadn't really imagined that I would have to start that process any time soon.
I decided that I would have to face this time sooner rather than later so I sat down and wrote every single college that I was interested in. I researched the different colleges that also followed the same methodology that I am doing with the Innovation Academy. This was specially important to me because, this program has changed my perspective on education and has motivated me to be better. With the help of my sister I was able to make a list of 10 colleges that I wanted to visit.
I think that being able to find colleges that match the IA's values, made it that much easier to start letting go and help me make the process much calmer knowing that I will be in a similar ambient.
I know that this year will probably be the hardest, having to prove myself not only academically, but having to meet all the requirements that colleges want. Between SATS, school, college visits, and applications. At least I will have a program that motivates me, and a college with similar values as a goal.
I may still not have the answer to what I want to be when I grow up... but I know that I will be happy.