College Crisis: The One

Our college years are full of dramatic “I’m not a grown up!” moments- mostly unexpected, and typically unwanted. Anonymous Valley writers discuss it all, from avoiding basic responsibilities to dealing with the big, bad future. Let’s talk about it.

For most of us, college can seem like a constant battle between our destined path in life and the big mistakes we make along the way. In an effort to gain something, we find ourselves sacrificing the things we love. But how important is finding “The One”?

“The One” is different for everyone. For some it’s finding “The One” perfect dress for spring formal, and for others, “The One” takes its form in an internship position you’ve been losing sleep over. In fact, finding “The One” has become so important to us that we’re starting to give up anything to achieve it, from our most loyal friendships to our weekly paycheck.

For my friend Michelle*, finding “The One” wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped it would be. After semesters of partying and playing around, she decided it was time to settle down.

Michelle was specific with that what she wanted: something serious, something credible and most importantly, something she could love. While you may be assuming that my friend was on the search for a new boyfriend, you couldn’t be more wrong.  Michelle had finally decided it was time to get involved on campus and finding “The One” perfect club to suit her interests was the answer.

It was as though she woke up one morning and thought to herself, “today is the day I’m going to join something.” Not to say that Michelle’s personality isn’t fit for a beefed up resume, but it was almost absurd to hear her talking about philanthropic passions and community involvement.

Her version of Habitat for Humanity was more similar to Habitat for a Hangover. I couldn’t’ help but laugh picturing her planting a tree for Fresh Start or giving tours around campus as a Lion Scout.

To everyone’s dismay, it was only a matter of weeks before Michelle’s email address was included on nearly every Listserve at Penn State. Besides her schedule becoming loaded with meetings and events, she suffered frustration trying to balance her schoolwork with her social life. The best parts of Michelle’s personality seemed lost.

“What was she even doing this for?” I wondered. I decided the best thing to do was let her figure that out on her own. Time would certainly tell.

After a month, the Michelle we all knew and loved had returned. By no means did she throw her work shoes into the back of her closet, but the five-inch stilettos she made famous certainly returned.

I’ll never be quite sure what she did to find the peace, but by continuing her involvement exclusively in clubs that she loved, Michelle was able to strike the healthy balance that most college students only dream of achieving one day.

“The One” may not have been what she originally imagined it to be, but it turned out better than she could have ever hoped for.

* names have been changed.

Photo by Shantelle Williams