The question “What is the good life?” It's what interested me in Professor Curta on that first day of class in mid-August. Over the course of a few months I examined the many aspects of this question while simultaneously applying the concepts to my life. Everyone's answer to this age-old question is slightly different and depends completely on the individual's influences and goals. For me, the good life is about having a stable future and a group of close friends to spend it with. But like all beautiful things, this too has a cost. For me these costs are having to leave some of my childhood friends behind. As difficult as it may be, I know it's for the best and I keep my eyes focused on the task at hand, in hopes of finding that good life. My definition of the good life is not one I fashioned overnight. It required me to look inside myself and ask myself why I choose to live my life the way I do. The first part of my definition, having a stable future, refers to pursuing the best education possible and subsequently obtaining a well-paying job. The second part, having a close group of friends, is just as it sounds. It is not possible to be successful without the love and support of others, and it is almost impossible to be happy without them too. One of the biggest choices of my life thus far was the decision to attend the University of Florida. I wanted to major in computer science and UF has one of the best programs in the state. This directly fits my definition, as getting the best education possible will lead to a stable future. I am confident that my choice was the right one, but that doesn't mean it was without consequences. It's like I said being... middle of paper... the first good life is something that anyone who seeks it has to face. It is up to the individual to decide whether this choice is worth making. In my case, leaving some of my childhood friends behind was worth continuing my studies at the institution of my choice. I have no regrets about this decision and, if I had the chance, I would make the same choice again. If you can't have complete confidence in the way you choose to live your life, maybe you're not looking for the truly good life. I know that having a stable future and a group of close friends to spend it with is my good life. And even though I have had to part ways with some of my closest friends, I still try to stay in touch with them, so that I can continue to have their friendship and support throughout my life. I have also begun to build new relationships here at UF, starting the next chapter of my new life.
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