By Elena Voropay

There is something about the change of seasons. Even though the days are shorter, the nights are darker, and the air is cooler, we seem to enjoy the change. September brings a feeling of a new beginning. The magnificent beauty of nature presents us the crispness of the air in the morning and the warmth of the sun rays in the afternoon. Leaves are changing colors and will soon start falling from the trees. We feel the determination of winter to take over when the temperature drops and we see the vapor of our breath.

Change is something the universe must undergo if the future is to be different from the past. Let the good memories of summer empower your energy for growth and renewal. Now is your time to get the most out of the transformations around you and use it to build a better future. View this change of pace as your key to reflect on past, make the most of the present and focus on the future vision. Decide what you want to achieve in order to create a balance in your life. Whatever the goal is – to graduate or just to complete this semester, to get a new job or find your ‘better half’, to lose a few pounds or to adopt a healthier lifestyle – focus on finding solutions, not dwelling on problems.

There is no better day than today to start your way to any desired destination. Think of where you are, where you want to be, how you can get there, what are the obstacles – then follow through with patience and determination. Being determined and committed is hard work. But this powerful tool can get you anywhere you want to go. When most people try to pursue pleasure and avoid pain, you must keep in mind that progress does not occur in a comfort zone.

Challenging yourself just for the sake of challenge is a waste of time. Choose to endure a difficult situation if it can enhance your life or take you to the next level. Create your priorities and focus on future vision. If you need to get ready for a test, it may be wise to start reading textbooks and completing homework as soon as you get the task. Spending leisure time with friends, watching MTV videos, or following the next episode of South Park can expand your horizons and bring about overall personality development. These things will be around for a long time, but if you miss a deadline at school – you are screwed. Easier said than done, but better to be safe than sorry.

So, before you get lost in the panic of rushing things through when it’s already too late, take time to find the advantages of the ongoing changes and prepare yourself for more to arrive. Who knows what this coming school year will bring. Life is definitely full of surprises, some of which may turn out to be unpleasant. But if it wasn’t for those difficult moments, life would be stale and monotonous with no place or desire to expand. Now is your chance to experience the uniqueness of your ability to adapt to the changing environment and change with it. You are facing the gateway to growth and improvement. Remember, you are the creator of your own canvas – it’s your choice what you commit yourself to. Life is what we make it – always has been, always will be.