From an early age, life already provides us with building blocks to maneuver our way through life and find our purpose, but what is the purpose? Every human has a different ending and a different goal in life. Some want to grow old with their loved one beside them, and some can’t imagine what life looks like past 18 years old. 

Some may call it an unavoidable destiny, while others call it liberty, but it is natural to question different views on existence and how all of our influential decisions lead up to the very day we leave this earth into the unknown. 

Every single individual who has once roamed this earth leaves footprints that tell a lifetime of stories. Perspective is an aspect in every single human’s life, because we can’t view every single living thing’s perspective in life, but to understand differences. 

Every car that we’ve ever passed and every stranger we’ve glanced at or given a slight leer has their own years of memories, laughter, sadness, and happiness; all of these emotions are a part of a human’s lifetime. 

Some may argue that the life they live serves no purpose, or that life in general serves no purpose, but every single life brought into this world serves a purpose in our society. For example, everything matters; nothing serves no purpose on this earth. It may not contribute to you, but for another, this trinket will serve a purpose. 

So what is the purpose, or what is our purpose to be exact? Well, we write our own purposes in life and make our own decisions. 

Freshman Katherine Yan said, “I think humans are to pursue happiness and personal growth and contribute to society. Religion is being left out of this context because it can be different for a lot of people, but I personally think I am here in this world to follow Jesus and respect him in his image.” 

Religion and traditions operate on “purpose theory,” the idea that life’s meaningfulness is designed to be meaningful because you are assigned a role by a higher power. Religion can be a “secure attachment” to the divine, feeling closer to the practice than distance.

A student who wanted to remain anonymous said, “I have never felt as if I owned a purpose in life, and yet I still don’t know what it is; but I know that I’m here today, and that means something more.” 

Time can only tell how the future will play out, and it is okay to feel like you have no sense of direction. Purpose may find you, similar to the idea of “fate”. And whether we like it or not, fate always finds its destiny, because every human has an ending. Although the ending is unknown, the question of the unknown is never resolved, but the future is not guaranteed to anyone. So even if the future isn’t guaranteed for all, the present still remains now with a path full of opportunities. Purpose does not always have to be grand, and sometimes it may seem unachievable, but sometimes it simply embraces the nature of being a human. It can be the emotions we experience, the footsteps that we pave, the achievements we accomplish, even if they’re small. Even if we can’t view life past the age of 18 or into the depths of the unknown, we can see who accompanies us. In a way, perhaps the purpose of our existence is to honor the life that we are given, regardless if asked to be in this world or not. So for all the yesterdays you’ve taken for granted, and all the tomorrows that may come, remind yourself that out of this entire universe, we are the only living species known that are intelligent through evolution. For every body part you have taken for granted, realize that they serve a purpose to you, regardless of whether you realize it or not. Trust that where we are as humans is exactly where we are meant to be. 

So strive for growth and contribute your importance to this world around us, and turn the “unknown” blank canvas into the painting it’s awaiting to be, a masterpiece.