Do you take the path that everyone follows or do you pave your own?

In college, you are now are forced to create our own path as you no longer have the opportunity to copy your peers, but instead follow our own passion.

Life is an endless door of opportunities, every small decision affecting which way your life will head. Imagine you’re given two paths: a no-risk path designed to please everyone, similar to one size fits all clothing or the path made just for you, with obstacles unknown. Which path would you follow?

It’s always easy to follow the leader, after all they do know where they are headed in a sea of lost people. All human beings have a gravitation towards following the norm, blending in with everyone else. We follow the footsteps of our peers instead of creating our own path. However, the path meant for someone does not mean it is also meant for you. Choosing your own path in life doesn’t imply you take others opinions into consideration, you decide what’s right for your life. Their opinions will not help you when you’re the one who has to face the obstacles. Walking away from a paved path guaranteeing safety and success and going towards a dark path with adventures unknown is difficult, but necessary. Instead of following someone’s trail, stop and consider your own path. Take over the reins of your life.

“‘Yesterday, oh exalted one, I had been privileged to hear your wondrous teachings. Together with my friend, I had come from afar, to hear your teachings. And now my friend is going to stay with your people, he has take his refuge with you. But I will again start on my pilgrimage”

Chapter 3: Gotama

The novel, Siddhartha, written by Hermann Hesse perfectly depicts the theme of following your own path. The main protagonist, Siddhartha, comes to a realization that he must separate from Govinda’s (his friend) path. His separation from Govinda’s path is a beautifully represented symbol illustrating how Siddhartha is now beginning his own journey, both internally and externally. Instead of continuing Govinda’s journey, he realizes that this is not a good fit for him and decides to go on is own path. Despite all the new obstacles and challenges he must now face alone, this is the right step for him in his expedition.