4 things I learned by finishing a 4-year degree in 10 years
If someone had asked me why I wanted to study Law, the most important reason would have been that I wanted to help people. People in the legal profession are laughing their hearts out after reading this. Why? Because if you want to help people, studying Law is one of the least likely paths toward that type of impact. The justice system is only supposed to ensure that previously determined rules are applied. It is not meant to give you justice. It will only give you a fair decision if you have enough proof and you manage to be credible enough in front of the judge. That does not mean you shouldn’t pursue a ruling in your favor, but don’t have high expectations.
With that motivation in mind, adapting to the university atmosphere was both challenging and exciting. I met great people, formed friendships, learned, and carved out a new version of myself. But after some time, various unpredictable events shook my life, and I had to move back home. This led to numerous challenging years during which I struggled to both complete my degree and recover.
Although it was hard to accept my new reality, I can now see that these challenges have helped me become a better person. And this is why I want to share some of the lessons I gathered during those times, with the hope that you will navigate difficult times with greater accountability and patience.
Nothing is permanent.
Everything can and will, most likely, change. Your family will leave this existence at some point, a big part of your friends will find other people to spend time with, your pets will die, and the house you`re living in will start to crumble at one point. Nothing stays the same forever. Even your spouse will change their habits, likes, and dislikes numerous times in a lifetime. This is a truth that is not supposed to make you succumb to regret and anxiety. These words are intended to help you truly live and be present in this moment.
In these critical past years, I lost a few important family members due to various diseases. Death makes you think about the choices you made up to this point. Did you spend more time with the people you love and who love you back, or did you waste it with those who don't care if you go through hardships? Did you show enough appreciation for those who are always there, or were you too busy complaining that they don't fit into your image of how a perfect husband, wife, parent, etc., should be? Because these earthly pursuits are only temporary activities. At the end of your life, you will only think about what truly matters: love, friendship, and how you made this world a better place.
Some dreams will never become a reality. They weren’t supposed to.
Some of our most treasured dreams are not supposed to come true. Even though you are unhappy with the situation, you will understand in a few years why it had to go this way. No struggle is random. In the end, you will receive a gift disguised as a lesson. Please pay attention to it, as you will need to apply it in the future. If you won’t, you will repeat the same test under different circumstances until you truly get it. What I can assure you is that you will reach your destination. You might choose to walk on some derailed tracks, but you will have many chances to get back on the right one because God is a sucker for a redemption story.
The struggles will teach you perseverance, as well as humility.
You don't know perseverance and what you are truly capable of until all the things you previously took for granted become a sort of luxury. But you do become humbled by your fragility and flawlessness, and you will learn that even during the toughest of circumstances, there is a solution. You might not be excited by it, but you will adapt and make it work in a way that you couldn’t have imagined you would ever enjoy.
Tough times show the real support you have in your life.
Most people don’t care if you go through hardships. And as harsh as it sounds, I don't think everybody should put their life on hold for me or anyone. They all have their battles and lives to live. Even in your worst moments, some people whom you consider close may not be able to help you. Are they bad friends? Maybe. However, I also know that we all do the best we can in every moment. If they could help but choose not to, you need to understand that nobody owes you anything, even if you helped them in the past. When you understand this, you will be free. However, the good thing is that there are also many helpers out there. Some of them you might already know, and some will come as a saving grace in your life. Always be grateful for them.
Currently, I don’t work in the Law domain, but I am happy with my journey. I am grateful for these challenges, as they were necessary for my development. I know I am a better professional and human because of them.
What I want you to remember is that none of life’s struggles are random. Even if you took a lot of wrong decisions until now, you will get a million other chances to make it all right. It's never too late to do it. Forgive yourself for your ignorant mistakes, learn the lessons, and walk boldly towards your future. It will be brighter than your past.
