Saagarika R.
Photography by Shawn Bulloch
If you’re reading this, change is inevitable, but it isn’t the end of the world.
Throughout my life, I have constantly been reminded that change continues to occur. It tends to come at the most unexpected moments and redirects me in ways I could not imagine. The friends that I once thought would persist for a lifetime slowly started to disappear, and my surroundings felt unfamiliar. I kept struggling to come to terms with each of these shifts, making me view them as a threat rather than a part of life.
When reflecting on my past, I noticed that when pieces of me would leave, they wouldn’t exit without leaving a mark. The relationships that once ended have provided me with the realization of what I value in those who stay beside me. The strangeness of a new environment has pushed me out of my comfort zone and molded me into a more adaptable person. Though at the time things felt so out of place, in reality, everything was happening for a reason and falling right into the place it needed to be.
Over time, I have realized that change is what has shaped me into the person I am today. It is unavoidable, yet such a beautiful part of life. The people and the experiences that one encounters hold the most impact in shaping their identity. I used to fear change, as it meant bringing instability, but now I view it as a strength for my future self and all the possibilities of who I will become. Change is not my enemy, but rather a friend who drifts by.
Saagarika R., University of Georgia
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