The Ties That Bind Part 1

The college application process is ridiculously stressful. From standardized testing, to the gobs of essays, and ridiculous amount of forms and competition, it’s a wonder anyone goes to college at all these days. Because I’ll be on a pre-med track in college, I have the added stress of worrying about med school, knowing that the decisions I make now about my undergraduate education will have direct effects on my future life. No worries, though. Ha. When people say that, my heart starts beating even faster. No worries??? My parents and the generation under them didn’t have near the worries us kids have today. And if they did, they were different, and not affected by the current economy and high tech society we live in.

But. That most amazing contraction. But. Living every day with a huge block of stress on my shoulder isn’t doing anyone any good, least of all myself. Constantly worrying about what other people think of me, living up to my parents’ hopes and dreams, and my teachers’ aspirations for my life can really eat one alive. I’m a senior in high school. I’m taking ridiculously hard classes this year. I have volunteering I do on the side. I have a LIFE. And I also have my future to think about. Any 17 year old would crumble under the pressure. It’s a bleak outcome, when you think you have to do it all on your own.

The good news is, you don’t. I don’t. No one does. God promises us that He will take care of us, watching over everything that concerns us, making sure that we don’t fall flat on our faces. And if we do, He’ll be the one picking us up, dusting us off, and setting us back on the path. Knowing this, I’m filled with hope. I’m DONE feeling sorry for myself. No more pity party for Jenny. I hate hanging out with the Debbie downers, and I know my friends do too. I want to be the person that understands stress but has found ways to overcome it, not succumb to it. Life is such a beautiful thing. High school, the senior year, college – all of these things are supposed to be the best times of our lives.

John Mayer, in his song Who Says, sings, “Who says I can’t be free?” Although I’m not endorsing the song’s drug-laced lyrics, I do see his point. Who is the one holding me back from living life fully, enjoying myself, not worrying about menial things that in some point in the distant future won’t matter in the least? That person would be me. My attitude in the face of this season of my life is crucial. It is what I make it. And I’m determined to make the very best out of it.

So cut all the ties that bind, folks. Unravel the ever-increasing wooliness of life. Find that moment of peace during your day when you know that you’re not doing it all alone.

Jenny Combs

Team 2: Servant Scholars

Grade 12

Alabaster, AL