Alayna’s Story

I’ll turn 20 years old in about two weeks, which I consider a big accomplishment, because being a teenage girl is hard! From pandemics to proms, I’ve learned so many life lessons, even in the most trivial moments. Despite it all, I’ve loved being a teenager.

I went into high school with a plan. I knew exactly who I wanted to be, what I wanted to accomplish, and how I was going to do it. And for the most part, I did. High school was a blast—I learned how to drive, became cheer captain, ran for student government. I did everything you’re “supposed” to do in high school.

But college taught me something different: it’s nearly impossible to plan life.

Plans change. People change. You change. And sometimes, no matter how organized or driven you are, life will take a turn you never accounted for.

There’s no syllabus, no checklist, no guide telling you what to do next. And for someone like me, someone who likes structure and likes to have a plan, that realization can be terrifying.

So now, as I reflect on turning 20 and preparing for life after college, I find myself in a place that feels unfamiliar, without a clear, step-by-step plan. And if I’m being honest, that used to scare me.

But maybe that’s the point.

Maybe boldness isn’t about having a perfect plan, it’s about moving forward anyway.

Maybe bravery is choosing to trust yourself when there’s nothing certain to hold onto.

And maybe brilliance isn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to learn as you go.

So if there’s no guidebook for your 20s, I’m starting to think that’s okay. I’ll just have to be bold, be brave, and be brilliant :)