The principal's office was not a place I frequented often, and even more rarely was it a place I came to on purpose. Just sitting in the reception area felt unnatural. I fidgeted in my chair: crossing my legs, smoothing my hair and tapping my fingers. The sound of shuffling papers was the only relief from the professional silence of the office. My restlessness grew in this silence, because it left me nothing to do but think about why I had come. Thinking was what had brought me here in the first place; me and my great ideas. Somehow, a little thought got caught between my ears and bounced furiously around, demanding attention, until no corner of my mind was left untouched. I wanted to graduate from high school early. Of course there was a little snag; my alma mater didn't allow it. Luckily, my young teenage mind had no room to adapt to obstacles, as well as dreams. Distracted by the romantic notions raised by the aspirations, I began to build my argument. I had done my research to prepare for this moment, when I would officially ask the school for permission. I spoke to the school counselor and received her input. I communicated with online educational institutions to inquire about their classes. I also spoke to a university to get their opinion. Most importantly, I had valued myself and knew I could do it. There was nothing a little determination couldn't fix; at least, that's what I thought. There was no reason for the principal to say no and I was sure of this: absolutely none. Well, maybe there was a reason. I needed to be seen as a professional and taken seriously, rather than being dismissed as a naive student. Outside of this office I felt confident in my abilities, however, in the middle of paper… I and my independence pursue things I am passionate about regardless of their popularity, unconventionality, or difficulty. Finding my way is no longer a daunting prospect, because I have found that, more often than not, lack of certainty translates into possibility. Pursuing this possibility, without knowing the limits, led me to become more aware of my potential. Today I accomplished even more than I imagined the day I stepped into the principal's office, gaining experience in unexpected places as I worked to determine the role I wanted to fill in the future. Now I'm a happy student, at the top of my class, headed to an Ivy League school, an idea I would have laughed at not long ago. Additionally, the beliefs I established during my meeting with the principal will continue to encourage and empower me as I advance in my educational and professional journey..