The Next Chapter

Graduation is often looked at as the closing of one chapter and the start of another and, in many ways, that is true. However, after spending a summer still living in my own home, hanging out with my same friends, and getting to see my family every day, I don't think this summer was the start of a new chapter. Rather, it was more like the final sentences of the previous chapter where all the readers favorite characters say their final piece before their role in the story slightly changes.

Now. Now is the time where the page turns to reveal the next chapter. Only small pieces of the plot have been revealed in this new chapter, but I will keep reading, and there is One who is making sure whatever happens works ultimately for my good because of His love for me. Yes, it hurts to leave what I have grown up with: the only house I have ever lived in, my friends, and my family. But, I am so excited to go to TCU and carve my path there! 

I have said a few times in the weeks where goodbyes were commonplace that I don't really know how to say goodbye, but I believe that is okay. I am grateful for the many ways to keep in touch with people and I know, no matter how connected I become with new people or new places, this will always be my first home and I know I will love returning here when I am able. 

On Tuesday, August 16th, I leave. I have been so blessed in this life so far and I have no doubts that God will keep pouring out his love on me. I hope to keep Untitled Thoughts updated with posts, but I cannot say for sure what the future holds. Thanks for reading and until next time, farewell. 

Check out my YouTube channel! Along with this goodbye, I posted my farewell on my YouTube page with an original song entitled "Departure".

Never Tell Me the Odds

If you have ever watched the classic George Lucas film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, there is little doubt that the title of this blog drew your attention. The famously quoted five word phrase is often seen as yet another example of Han Solo's cockiness, but I strive to live my life by it. 

First of all, I must clarify that I do not see Han Solo as a role model. He is an excellently crafted character in the Star Wars universe, a (mostly) loyal friend, a rebel hero, and arguably the best pilot in the galaxy, but he is also a smuggler, a liar, a braggart, and an overall selfish person. In many ways, Solo is possibly the most human character of the original Star Wars trilogy. When faced with trials he is torn between helping himself and helping his friends. When faced with a chance to be the hero, he tries to show off, but, as seen in his older years, he eventually had to reckon with some of his mistakes. He is torn between good and evil in a mostly non-dramatic, human way. As a result, the things he says are not too worthy of being life quotes, but if Solo is this balanced character, there must be some gem in what he says.

"Never tell me the odds" seems to be one of Solo's life principles. Exemplified in the movie Solo, he made the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, proving wrong the long held record indicating it couldn't be done that quickly. While I do believe it is good to listen to wise council and avoid anything foolish, I also believe that "never tell me the odds" is a good way to live.

At a freshman summer event for college, they presented a number of statistics. They were meant to give us comfort--to show that we wouldn't be alone if we felt or didn't feel a certain way, or did or didn't do a certain thing, because we wouldn't be alone. I left feeling less comforted. For some of the stats, I was in the majority, but for others, I wasn't. Did I have to go through depression in college or drink underage because the majority of college freshman in the United States do? I didn't think so. But, I wanted to be like the majority of college freshman who made a lasting friendship in their first month. I wanted to pick and choose my own path regardless of the odds. 

Odds do not take everything into account. Your family, your friends, and/or your most trusted supporters know you better. I have been brought up believing and learning the difference between right and wrong. In scenarios I find myself lost, I return again to the council of those who know me the best and can point me in the right direction. 

Life does not always follow the odds. The odds, in my opinion, should not influence one's decision making (apart from niche situations like the decision to not spend your life's savings on lottery tickets because the odds are heavily stacked against you). Han Solo made it out of the asteroid field even though the odds would have him dead. I strive to beat the "bad" odds, follow the "good" odds, but mostly, never know the odds enough to give my informed decisions a second thought.

Check out my podcast! The trailer and first two episodes of "[Prompted] Improvised" are now available on Spotify.