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“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path.” ― Joseph Campbell
Finding the confidence to make authentic choices that reflect your curiosity and your internal motivation pays many dividends. In my two decades counseling students, I've watched this play out over and over. When you let your self-knowledge and curiosity guide you, the impacts at the end of high school include: confidence in your voice and future choices, a college search that is led by asking which colleges can meet you and provide the setting to continue your growth, and a feeling of ownership over and excitement about your ongoing journey. Authentic decision making is the antidote to college admission anxiety, stress and overwhelm. It helps students grow to a place where the college search is about what they know they need, rather than superficial ideas about prestige, selectivity, or anyone else's opinion about which colleges are "best." Also, it turns out that following someone else's template does not lead to the same results-- but can lead to frustration with outcomes, and uncertainty about your own values and priorities. Authentic decision making helps you arrive at a place where you know what is best for YOU.