As an adolescence, we usually dream about the direction we would like our life to go, within our career paths, what was your dream during this time?

• “As an adolescent, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up; I thought I wanted to do something artsy and creative, but I also enjoyed my science classes. For this reason, I initially did not think that I was going to choose science, but I found myself torn between the two upon entering college. I thought I naturally gravitated towards the arts, so exploring my right brain became my focal point.”

What is your definition of the grey area? Would you say you are in it currently? 

• “Yea. I think grey is a space that is unknowing. I feel like I’m constantly in it all the time. I think there is a beauty within that, cause we are not all-knowing. So I feel like in the grey area is where you experience growth. That’s where you have life lessons, that’s the real stuff you can’t necessarily plan out. You can’t …there’s no blueprint. I think I’m always in that kind of space where I wonder what’s gonna happen next? Am I on the right path? I think I’m learning to embrace that space.”

Can you talk to me about your emotions/struggles in this area?

•  “I think the emotion would be anxiety and stress. But again, my pops always said have your emotions work for you not against you. When I feel stressed or anxious, I try to divert that negative energy into something productive, even if that productivity means sitting with myself for a few minutes or writing in my journal (AKA Apple Notes).”

Why did you decide to go to college?

• “What else was I  going to do?”

How has your perspective of college shaped from childhood into your adolescence?

• “My perspective of college has changed from childhood into adulthood. Beforehand, I thought college was what smart people do, and now I see how college can be a financial trap. Capitalism associated with higher education is some straight-up nonsense; I think it is messed up because many people have to take out financially crippling loans. Take away capitalism, and I believe college itself is wonderful.”

Was it worth the debt?

• “Yea I think it was. Undergrad definitely was worth the debt. I would not pay for grad school. Not a damn penny.”

How would you define college?

• “I view college as a tool to help get you to where you want to go, but it is still up to you to decide the destination. College can help you figure out what you enjoy doing and provide the resources to get you on the right track.”