Dear editor:

As I look back over the years that have passed since I graduated from Fresno Christian in 2005, what stands out most is how I almost never ended up where I thought I would — and how I’m totally okay with that.

When I was a senior in high school, I was sure that I wanted to go to school in Chicago and study neuroscience, in order to become a doctor. Imagine my surprise when I found myself in Texas instead, majoring in history and political science and hoping to go into government! It was nothing that I had planned or anticipated.

During my senior year of college, I decided to go to graduate school in order to get a master’s degree. I happily envisioned myself in Washington, D.C., or Austin, TX, never expecting that it would be Texas A&M [University], in tiny College Station, TX, that would give me the best offer. For the past two years, rather than hobnobbing with congressmen or working in the state legislature, I found myself decked out in maroon, cheering my lungs out at Aggie football games.

It is funny to look back and think about what I thought my life would be like when I was in high school. I was desperate to get to the big city, to be surrounded by bustle and noise and art museums. I never in a million years thought that I would be content to live in a small college town most noted for its abundance of cowboys and greeting of “Howdy!” And yet, even if I could go back, I would not change a thing.

I feel fortunate in that I was encouraged to keep an open mind, rather than get settled into a rut. If I had clung to my initial ideal of work in the medical field, I would have missed out on some incredible experiences, like interning in Washington, D.C., meeting a lot of fascinating policymakers, and finding a career field that truly ignites my curiosity and passion.

By all means, pursue your goals when you are in college, but don’t get tied down to them — you might just miss the bigger and better things that are waiting for you just around the corner!

Anne Hierholzer, ’05 alumna, is a former editor-in-chief of The Feather.

For more letters to the editor, read the Feb. 28 submission, LETTER: Spring events planned.

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