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I am in the process of applying for post-graduate scholarship for PA school. In one of my essays it asked me, “Thinking back to your freshman year of college, what advice would you give to your undergrad self?”. This question really had me reflecting on my college years.

The best advice I would give my freshman year self is, “Madison, it is okay if you’re not perfect. It is okay if you fail. You can never control the outcome of a situation, but you can always control your effort. Never give up.”

Being a Division I college athlete for Penn State University was tough physically and mentally. However, it has molded me into the person I am today. It taught me how to work through adversity, how to accept myself, and most importantly, how to never give up. Choosing Penn State is one of the best life decisions I have made. As a current senior, I look back on myself freshman year and see how much I have grown and learned in just four years.

I wish I could have told myself four years ago that there is beauty in the unknown – the why’s and how’s, the future you won’t be able to see, the empty spaces you might have in your life. Do not be afraid of it, crave it. It will give you room to dream, to discover, to fearlessly follow the things that set your soul on fire. It will force you to keep reaching for your purpose, to grow and to never give up. These unknown nooks and crannies in your life are like blank pages of a book. They will allow you to write your own beautiful journey and find moments that will change you. It will allow you to take risks. Be brave. Be vulnerable and put yourself out there. You should plunge into the unknown with a deep breath of faith. It will lead you to your purpose and where you never dreamed you would go.