BY EMILY CHOW, Read This! writer 

A few months ago, I had a chance to catch up with an old friend. Just as our talk became deep and meaningful, our conversation shifted, as most high school conversations do, to the unavoidable topic of college.

I began to complain about the overrated aspects of applying to college. After reading several online articles and listening to my college counselors, I’ve come to a few realizations: 1. Surprisingly, there are other options than college (just not for me); 2. No one high school student is expected to outline the next four to eight years of his or her life.

While my friend nodded and agreed as I mentioned this, her dad looked up from his book and said, “Sometimes, you just have to make a decision before you are ready to.” Caught off guard, I could only respond with a simple, “it sucks,” which was countered with a simpler, “but it’s true.”

Why is it that we are compelled to make a decision at the age of 18 that potentially will affect our lives at age 21? Unfortunately — as cliché as it sounds — life is unfair.

It’s all about rolling with the punches and making the most of what you get. I guess the best conclusion I can come to is that I need to stay flexible.

Decisions aren’t supposed to hold us back; we’re supposed to grow and progress based upon our decisions. I know it may seem shocking, but as things change, your decisions can change to better suit your needs.

So here’s my simple reminder: Be flexible and make the most of what you get. What kind of life will you live if you don’t?

Emily Chow will be a senior at the Harker School in San Jose.