Time and Age: A Look Towards the Future

Oh summer time; what can I say about my summer, except that it's pretty much dull. Nothing exciting has really happened during my summers for the past two years. There's nothing I can boast that really makes me say "My summer was a blast. I enjoyed the heck out of it." Instead, what do I have? Almost nothing. No job, no luck in finding a job, and not really any friend I could really hang out with anywhere. Last summer I must have seen my friends a couple of times, but that's it. So what am I doing with my summer this year? Is it as boring as the past two, or is it alittle more productive?

Well, I can't say my summer has been very fun, but it certainly has been more productive. I started summer school in July, and it ended on Thursday for me. Part time, two classes; I haven't met that many people in my classes, but I have made a few friends. I got some work done, rose my overall G.P.A., and learned a few tricks of the trade, including Microsoft Excel.

Now, I think about my life, and what I've done with it so far, and I ask myself this question; am I aging with time, or is time aging with me? Backpedaling what I mean on this question, this is the gist of it; time is inevitable, you cannot reverse your role in the blink of an eye. If that were true we would probably be whatever we wanted in no time. But to gain success means you have to work for it. I know alot of friends that have had things I've never had; a job, independent living, a loved one, some honors class I wouldn't be able to get in etc.. I guess it's one thing to say that when I know that someone has done more than me in their time, I start to feel like crap. I mean, you've accomplished so much, and here I am, not really seeking out any opportunities. Why? What makes me incapable of doing some tasks others can do so easily?

Well I don't know, but I'm gonna change my management over time this coming semester. Surely it's not that I'm not capable, but I don't seek out anything. Laziness? Lack of interest? Maybe, but I've become more involved with my surroundings. Since the end of January I started doing some community service work in my neighborhood; I participated in their afterschool program for elementary and middle school kids. Mind you, this was out of my own will. No company and no person telling me to do this, this was all out of my own selflessness.

And I enjoyed it. It made me feel more open to people, I met some cool friends around my age, and, most important to me, I felt like I was needed. I got along well with some of the kids over there, I felt like a big brother to some, and I was glad enough to help out those that needed it. I've always wanted to be seen as the guy who anyone could go to and ask for help, no matter what. I'm no expert in all situations and fields, but even if it's someone you just want to talk to, I'm always here.

Anyway, I won't be going there anymore, the main reason is simple; time management. Beginning with the Fall semester, I will be going full time to school. I'm more dedicated to my college life now than I've ever been, and I'm not going to let myself linger around the field anymore. I'm going to join a club or organization that interests me and pertains to (one) of my classes. I'm gonna become more involved with my work, and I'm gonna do my best to seek out more people who are like me, who share the same interests I do, and who are in the same situation as me. That is, a college student who is living his life the way he wants, trying to find those who matter to him.

I'm not going to forget about the community service work I've done, though. While I'll no longer be there, it certainly has taught me to be more open to the youth. I never put much thought into it, but I think I get it now. Kids are carefree and innocent; we all were when we were young. And I still wanna be that someone who can try to make a difference in someone's life. That's why, I'm gonna register with Long Beach BLAST, to become an academic mentor.

I will be 21 years old at the end of this month; do I dread getting older? Not really, but I will miss my younger days. That being said, I'll tell you one thing I'll never forget as long as I remain on this earth; my friends, family, and the memories I've shared with so many. I won't just sit by and let time pass by without accomplishing anything, and I'm not going to allow anymore chances to pass by me. My life has shown some ups and downs, but I won't let the bad outweigh the good. This last year has shown me people who I never thought existed, and it's improved me as a person in general.

So don't think about what could have been; instead, think about what you can do to make your life more enjoyable and give yourself more memories. We live off of remembering events, be it good, bad, scary, happy, sad, angry, or silly. Don't let anything try to hold you back, because the only one who is is yourself. And remember these important questions; are you aging with time? Or is time aging with you?