I am probably the worst decision-maker ever.
When it comes to buying shampoo and conditioner, I stand in the aisle for long periods of time meditating on which brand I should try next.
When it comes to choosing what to wear for important occasions (which does not happen on a daily basis thank goodness), I try on every outfit combination in my closet and my roommates’ closets and then seek their approval.
When it comes to choosing where to go out to eat, I plead “I don’t care” because really and truly, I don’t have an opinion. Wherever I end up eating, though, I always get the same thing just to avoid making another decision.
I like to stay pretty passive, and I absolutely hate confrontation. That’s a fact.
But three years ago was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make: where to go to college.
I lived on edge my whole senior year, always thinking and re-thinking possible options, imagining myself in different locations, weighing out my possibilities.
I am a pro at pro and con lists, by the way.
I think when May 1 finally did roll around as the day of declaring college choices, it really came down to making my decision on a whim.
Let’s just say I really like the song “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Last semester, I figured it was probably a good idea to decide what to do with the rest of my life.
Law school had always been an option in the back of my mind, but as I began to ponder the reality of actually taking the LSAT and filling out law school applications, I became more and more hesitant.
And so, after visiting the law school adviser one day and receiving a stack of law school pamphlets, I rode home on the Tiger Transit in an overwhelmed daze.
What happened next is probably the most affirmative and confident action I have ever done: when I got home that day, I threw all the information in the trash can as hard as I could.
Tears followed, but they were the good kind, not the bad kind.
No law school for me.
When I decided to apply for The Plainsman staff, it was one of those decisions I made on a whim.
Let’s just say I loved reading the paper every Thursday, and that’s the only reason I thought it was a good idea to apply for a staff position.
But, I can confidently say, it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Why David decided to hire me this time last year will always be a mystery to me, but I am so glad he did.
These past two semesters, I have been challenged to form opinions on everything. And I’ve become aware of the fact that I need to be more decisive. About political views, current events, even a favorite song to play on YouTube.
I will admit, I went home at the end of spring break to research the presidential candidates just so I could come back to the office with an educated decision.
And so, I’ve come to know a little bit more about myself: I am capable of making decisions, however long they may take me, and I am still learning that I can’t please everyone around me.
As for my “fact of the day,” David, I will miss being part of The Plainsman staff.
Good luck next year, Mallory, Brittney, Ali and Grace!
Lauren Wiygul is Campus Editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9118.
