No one really wants to think about their goals and think “so close!” or “almost had it!”
But in reality, life happens. You can plan every aspect of your life perfectly and still be on an unexpected life trail.
I learned that this week.
I ran for Homecoming Queen and didn’t get it.
That sounds a little sad, but trust me, it isn’t. The reason why is because I genuinely had an amazing time at the ball. The entire week, I found myself stressed – trying to campaign sufficiently, make flyers, make sure I had the right shoes, that my dress fit or that my hair would be curly enough for the style I yearned for.
It took me hours to get ready and all I could think about was that crown. All I was focused on was how bad I wanted to win, but then I lost.
I’m not going to lie and say I was ecstatic about not winning. However, I was so proud of Cynthia. The gorgeous girl deserved the crown. Believe it or not, being honestly happy for someone who earned what you wanted is harder than it looks.
But then I thought about how blessed I was to even be on the Homecoming Court.
Almost 20 girls applied and I was one of the lucky ones who made it. I thought about how much support I had. There were dozens of students rooting for me. Even my professor and classmates came, just to support me.
I thought about all those moments I had on the dance floor with people I was blessed to have in my life. I thought about all those moments when students came up to compliment my dress or tell me how beautiful I looked. I thought about all those awesome moments that I would’ve still had, whether I won or not.
A close friend of mine wasn’t going to go to the ball, instead she was going to go to Tampa. But she changed her mind and surprised me on the dance floor. She gave me a cute tiara and told me I was a princess. It was that moment when I was content with not winning – because winning wasn’t going to give me those moments, just being myself did.
I graduate in December and this was my last homecoming and I felt like I made it count. I felt like I was at home. All you need to do in life is just live and I felt like I lived that night.
So, whatever?! I lost by a couple votes, life will go on.
I almost won and you know what? That’s enough for me.
Choya Randolph is a senior majoring in journalism and media studies. She can be reached at choya@mail.usf.edu.
