Ever since I set foot on American soil, “living for the moment” has been one of my mottoes. Five years ago, I had a plan for my life. I knew what I wanted to do, where I wanted to do it and why I wanted to do it. I knew I would be working for a leading TV/radio station in Kenya and married or just working if not married. Clearly, I am nowhere near that dream situation.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever come to America. I used to think opportunities to go to America were rare; therefore, I thought I would be realistic and not even dream about it. When the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it like someone grabbing the last piece of pizza. It was surreal for a long time, even though I still continued with the process of getting my papers for admission to UNA. It became a reality when I got my American visa.

I had already started college in Kenya. Unfortunately, I was not able to transfer my credits to UNA. I had to pick between continuing with my studies or coming to America to start all over again.

I heard a lot of stories about studying in America, and the more real my opportunity became the worse the stories got. I was worried about my future. And that was the first time I decided to live in the moment and let the author of time take care of the future.

I got my flight ticket, and in a few weeks I was in the land of milk and honey. Saying that it was surreal is an understatement. That was the commencement of my life in America, and as they say, the rest is history.

Grabbing opportunities as they come your way is part of living in the moment. Being the online editor for The Flor-Ala is part of my story and this is one opportunity I am glad I did not let slip. I never thought I would have such a position and I never thought the staff would give me a chance. I felt like I was not ready.

Encouragement from my peers and parents motivated me to give it a shot. Also, the fact that I do not know what will happen in the future or if I will get this opportunity again pushed me even further.

Author Lemony Snicket said, “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” I encourage you to grab every opportunity you come across because you never know where it will take you. Live in the moment, and eventually all the pieces will fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion and know that everything happens for a reason.