This October, I will be getting married to the man of my dreams. I will be changing my last name and starting a new chapter in my life. I am 21.

To many, this is too young, and I know this because they volunteer their opinion on my love life very frequently. But it doesn’t matter what they think or how they feel because I know what I want.

Just like many students.

Coming into college, some do not know where their lives are going, but eventually the dreams and hopes start flowing, and the doctors and business tycoons of the world are born. Maps are drawn, and steps are taken to get the wanted future in motion. But there is always someone in the background who is not a fan of those dreams and hopes.

They may be negative and try to pop those dreams by putting unwanted obstacles and fears in the way, but students should not give in.

Do not stop at no. Do not stop for a 60 on an exam or the rut that seems to come in the middle of each semester. If medical or design school is in the future, go for it.

There are ways to overcome these obstacles.

Fortunately, colleges are not ones who want failure. They provide numerous aids to help students succeed.

Use TCC’s resources. There are groups and labs for specific classes that are there for student convenience with patient tutors and volunteers. Go to the library. Call the number on the bulletin board to start that study group. Do what needs to be done to see that dreams come true and never forget that professors are there to help.

It will be a struggle for sure. The justice of the peace will be an inconvenience, bridesmaids will fight, photographers will bow out less than a month from the big day and disagreements are sure to come up.

But once all the “I do’s” are said and done, forget all the haters, turn your back, throw the bouquet and run!

-Kelli Henderson