Letting Life Play Out

 "Letting Life Play Out"

by Caiden Garner 

The third quarter of life—what a wild, unpredictable ride. It’s the phase where we begin to learn and experience things we never imagined we would. The changes we go through during this time are nothing short of transformative, especially in college.

College is its own universe. One minute you're unpacking your bags, and the next you're knee-deep in new friendships, unexpected relationships, and a whirlwind of emotions you didn’t even know you had. We’re meeting people who feel like soulmates, navigating feelings that swing from euphoric to overwhelming, and trying to make sense of it all while juggling classes, responsibilities, and the pressure to “figure it out.”

Honestly, I feel like I’m spiraling most days. I have no clue what I’m doing. There are moments when I feel completely lost—stupid, even. But somehow, in the chaos, I’ve found my people. The kind of friends who feel like family within the first three weeks. The ones who will sit with you through every breakdown, celebrate every win, and never let you face the lows alone.

These are the people who might end up being your bridesmaids. The ones you’ll make big decisions with—some wise, some impulsive, some downright questionable. They’ll be there when you’re falling apart over a mentally unstable, performative guy who probably doesn’t deserve your energy. They’ll hold you, hype you up, and remind you of who you are when you forget.

This stage of life is messy, beautiful, and deeply personal. It’s about discovering who you truly are, learning to trust your instincts, and most importantly—letting life play out. Because as cliché as it sounds, everything really does happen for a reason. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop trying to control the narrative and just let the story unfold.