Who’s That Boy?

37 hours ago I was looking at being on the path I have imagined for over a year now. I would get my email saying something to the effects of “Congratulations you are accepted to the Public Relations program” but more formal and drawn out as all acceptance letters are. Instead in one email, my whole life plan was damaged as I went into a state of numbness and disbelief but let me mention that this happens as I walk to my Introduction to Public Relations class.

I walked through the stages of grief as I went from shock and then pain as I sat in class trying not get emotional but really being on the edge of crying as everything I worked for just meant nothing. After class I felt this anger and again sadness as I had to explain over and over to others the process of applying and what are my options. In all honestly, the most annoying comment to hear was “well you can apply again next year!” True but please tell me what am I suppose to do for the next year of my college career since I am done with my Liberal Arts classes this semester ? What am I suppose to tell people when they ask what my major is? Should I be excited that next year I can get rejected AGAIN after being rejected once? Furthermore, my heart was not set on coming to Florida State University. My heart was set on being in Boston, already accepted to my major, listening to guest speakers every Friday in my Public Relations class on their experience and knowledge but instead I chose to “be smart” and stay inside where it was cheaper and I could supposedly see friends more often. Why would I not only settle on what school I go to but also a major that isn’t what I want to pursue when I know what I want to do with my life? Well I won’t.

The last day and a half has been a range of emotions but eventually there comes a point where we tap into who we are and get a game plan going. I have not been through a rough 18 years of life to land on community chest telling me go back more than 3 spaces or go directly to jail and do not pass go. I have learned so many life lessons and I think every day teaches me a bit more or gives me more to think about. I could wallow in bed for the rest of the weekend and use this as a chance to not go to yoga along with eat extra food without shame but I won’t.
I will be Jarryd K. Boyd and make things happen. When we want something, we have to be proactive and go after it. Few of us are given the luxury to have everything we want in life handed to us so I am not worried about some little setback. Moments like this give me a chance to reexamine my life and self-worth and know that I will not only be successful but will continue to do my best to help others and make those around me smile. Life is a gift to make something of yourself and positively impact those around you.
As I began my Public Relations essay with a quote from Oprah about her 5th lesson in life, I will finish this blog with that same one and the other four:
“1st Lesson: Every experience teaches you more fully who you really are
2nd Lesson: When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.
3rd Lesson: Turn wounds into wisdom
4th Lesson: Be grateful
5th lesson: Create the grandest vision for your life, because you become what you believe.”