Carving Your Own Path: Taking Charge of Your Future

Have you ever heard people say, “What’s meant for you will find you”? Sounds nice, right? Like, all you have to do is sit back, do your thing, and eventually, life will just work out. But if we’re being honest, that’s not how things actually go. What if what’s “meant” for you never shows up? What if you’re supposed to go out there and make it happen? Waiting around for opportunities isn’t a strategy—it’s a gamble. And in life, the people who succeed aren’t the ones who wait, they’re the ones who chase what they want.

Some time ago, Ms. Nickie Diamante, our company’s HR Generalist, said something that really hit me: “If it’s meant for me, I will carve a path and make it mine.” That stuck with me. She didn’t wait for life to hand her opportunities, she was out there creating them. After graduating, she had two choices: sit around hoping the perfect job would land in her lap or get up and do something. She chose the latter. She took risks, picked up new skills, and just figured things out along the way. She didn’t wait for the “right time.” She made now the right time. She understood that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always necessary.

And honestly, that made me reflect on where I’m at. Internships can be scary. You’re stepping into this whole new world, trying to prove yourself, trying to make sure you’re not messing things up. It’s so easy to just go through the waves of life, thinking, If I work hard and do a good job, something good will come out of this. But that’s not enough. If you really want something, you can’t just sit around hoping it’ll happen. You have to go after it. Success isn’t about being lucky; it’s about being intentional, taking action, and refusing to settle.

During my internship, I’ve done a bunch of different things, like screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and helping with onboarding. At first, these tasks seemed small, but I quickly realized how crucial they are to keeping a company running. Organizing employee records, creating publication materials, and reaching out to potential candidates showed me that HR is way more than just hiring, it’s about building connections, fostering growth, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Every little task plays a role in the bigger picture, and I’ve come to appreciate the value of every contribution.

One of the coolest things I’ve done? Drafting official documents like Employee Non-Disclosure Agreements and decline letters. It really hit me how every little detail matters and how HR plays a massive role in shaping company policies. Plus, making calls to applicants and insurance companies forced me out of my comfort zone and helped me get better at professional communication, definitely a skill I’ll need no matter what career I go into. Confidence comes from experience, and every challenge I face is just another step toward building that confidence.

Internships aren’t just about gaining experience or making your résumé fancy. They’re about figuring out who you are and what you actually want. They teach you how to deal with challenges, how to make decisions, how to take control instead of waiting for things to fall into place. No one is going to hand you your dream job. No one is going to build your future for you. That’s on you. The life you want? The career you dream about? You have to build it yourself, piece by piece, even when it’s messy, even when you don’t have it all figured out. It’s not about knowing all the answers right away—it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and push forward.

As I go through this internship, I keep coming back to that quote. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about luck or timing or fate. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and carving your own damn path. Because at the end of the day, what’s meant for us isn’t just what finds us—it’s what we make happen. So, if you’re waiting for a sign to take action, here it is: Stop waiting. Start doing.