Brianna Brown Sep 8, 2024

At 20 years old, I am in a transitional period of life where I am balancing

many roles. As a college student, girlfriend, friend, daughter, and sister, I am

learning to navigate these different aspects of my identity, all while

developing a stronger sense of self. Each role requires its own unique set of

responsibilities, expectations, and emotional commitments, and together,

they form the foundation of my life. The balance between these roles is

delicate, often challenging, but it is through these varied roles that I am

discovering my own capacity for growth, understanding, and connection.

One of the most central roles I currently embody is that of a college student.

This role is perhaps the most demanding in terms of time and mental energy.

As a student, I am tasked with mastering complex subjects, developing

critical thinking skills, and preparing for the future. The academic

environment challenges me to constantly evolve, pushing me to engage with

ideas that stretch my understanding of the world. From long nights of

studying to meeting assignment deadlines, being a student requires

discipline, dedication, and focus.

However, being a college student is not only about academics. It also

involves learning how to manage time, prioritize tasks, and balance

schoolwork with other areas of life. This is often where the challenge comes

in, as I try to meet the expectations of professors, stay involved in

extracurricular activities, and maintain a healthy social life. Being a student

also means learning how to handle stress and pressure—skills that I know will

serve me beyond my academic career.

Through this role, I have learned the importance of perseverance and self-

discipline. The demands of college life have forced me to become more

independent, teaching me how to manage my own responsibilities without

relying too heavily on others. I am learning how to navigate challenges and

setbacks, realizing that failure is often part of the learning process. Above all,

my experience as a student is teaching me resilience—how to push through

difficult times with the knowledge that growth often comes through

adversity.

Another significant role in my life is being a girlfriend. This role brings with it

emotional commitments, trust, and the necessity of communication. Being in

a relationship at this stage in life, while juggling other responsibilities,

requires a balance between nurturing the relationship and continuing to

pursue my own individual goals. In many ways, being a girlfriend has taught

me about compromise, empathy, and the importance of open

communication.

Relationships are a partnership, and my role as a girlfriend means providing

emotional support, sharing experiences, and growing together with my

partner. It is through this role that I have learned the value of vulnerability

and honesty. In a romantic relationship, you are not just looking out for

yourself—you are considering the feelings, needs, and dreams of another

person. This requires a level of emotional maturity that I am constantly

working to develop.

At times, this role can be challenging, especially when academic pressures or

personal stressors arise. However, it has taught me the importance of

patience and understanding, not only with my partner but also with myself. I

have realized that relationships, like any other aspect of life, require effort,

communication, and the willingness to grow together. In this way, being a

girlfriend has contributed to my emotional growth and has made me more

attuned to the importance of balance in my life.

Friendship is another important role that I navigate in my daily life. As a

friend, I am there to offer support, advice, and companionship to the people I

care about. Friendship during college is especially significant because we are

all going through a similar stage of life—dealing with the pressures of school,

relationships, and the transition to adulthood. My friendships offer me a

sense of stability and belonging, helping me to feel connected to others who

are going through similar challenges.

The role of a friend is one that requires both give and take. It means being

there for others in their time of need, celebrating their successes, and

offering a listening ear during difficult times. At the same time, it also means

leaning on friends when I need support. Navigating friendships in college can

be tricky, as everyone has busy schedules and differing commitments, but I

have learned the importance of prioritizing these relationships. Taking the

time to check in on friends, make plans, and share moments together is

essential to maintaining strong bonds.

Through my role as a friend, I have also learned a lot about myself.

Friendships reflect the qualities we value in others and help us recognize the

strengths and weaknesses we bring to relationships. Being a friend has

taught me about empathy, kindness, and the importance of being present for

the people who matter. It has also shown me how friendships evolve over

time, requiring effort and communication to remain strong. Ultimately, my

friendships help me stay grounded and remind me that I am not alone in

navigating the complexities of life.

As a daughter, my relationship with my family is a cornerstone of my life.

This role comes with its own set of responsibilities, both emotional and

practical. As I grow older, I am beginning to realize just how much my

parents have done for me and how much they continue to support me. While
I am becoming more independent, I still look to them for guidance, comfort,

and wisdom.

Being a daughter means staying connected to my family, even as I begin to

forge my own path. College has taken me away from home, but I make it a

priority to stay in touch with my parents and to maintain a close relationship

with them. This role also comes with the responsibility of helping out when I

can—whether that means being there for family events, offering support

during difficult times, or simply checking in to see how my parents are doing.

Through my role as a daughter, I have learned the value of gratitude and

respect. I am beginning to understand the sacrifices my parents have made

for me, and this has deepened my appreciation for them. It has also made

me more aware of my own responsibility to give back to my family and to be

there for them in the same way they have always been there for me.

Finally, being a sister is another key role in my life. Sibling relationships are

often some of the longest-lasting connections we have, and I strive to

maintain a close relationship with my siblings. As a sister, I feel a sense of

responsibility to offer support, guidance, and love to my siblings, while also

receiving the same from them.

Being a sister has taught me about loyalty and unconditional love. My

siblings and I may not always agree or see eye-to-eye, but we share a bond

that transcends our differences. As we grow older, I am learning to

appreciate the unique relationship we have—one that is built on shared

experiences, mutual support, and a deep understanding of each other.

In this role, I have also learned about the importance of setting a good

example, especially if I have younger siblings who may look up to me. At the

same time, I have learned that it is okay to rely on my siblings for advice and

support, recognizing that our relationship is built on mutual trust and care.

The roles I take on as a 20-year-old college student, girlfriend, friend,

daughter, and sister all shape my identity and the way I navigate the world.

Each role comes with its own unique set of challenges, responsibilities, and

rewards. Balancing these roles is not always easy, but it is through this

balancing act that I am learning more about myself and the people who are

important to me. Ultimately, these roles help me grow into a more

empathetic, responsible, and self-aware individual, prepared to take on

whatever challenges life may present in the future.