I want to be everything. If you personally know me, this proclamation is hardly an exaggeration.

Simultaneously yearning to be an esteemed writer, an unrivaled lawyer, a glamorous starlet, a world traveler and a renowned chef has long been a defining aspect of my existence. To be concise, I’ve never lacked in the passion department.

My constellation of fascinations has often been a point of internal contention in my life. My indecisive nature has been at the root of much internal torment. However, something within me has changed. Recently, I’ve tried to stop viewing this indecision as strenuous and instead see it as a privilege.

It is in expressing this frustration of longing to be deeply multifaceted that I was introduced to the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none.” This ominous warning once deterred me from pursuing multiple passions for the sake of concentrating my efforts into a singular enthusiasm.

Luckily, only half of this adage is quoted. The complete proverb goes as such: “Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one.” Evidently, the phrase in its entirety directly refutes the more often quoted first half.

Developing intellectual depth through persistent curiosity is imperative in living a life filled with purpose — a purpose only you can define.

In this pursuit of an existence defined by multiplicity, I am often reminded of Sylvia Plath’s fig tree analogy. In her most notable work, “The Bell Jar,” she proclaims: “I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked.”

Imagining the endless potential of what life could offer reminds me that a hunger for possibilities could never be a foolish pursuit. For me, it starts with a willingness to partake in something new. I had never partaken in any form of journalism before working with Daily Trojan, but each day I grow increasingly more grateful that I took the step to delve into one of my passions.

Novelty is what makes human existence so unique, so distinctly mortal. Creativity is integrated into the soul of humanity, and fighting our urge to seek what we do not know would only stunt our collective growth.

Society often praises hyperspecialization. If you have ever been told something along the lines of “just pick one thing and be really good at it,” you have been victim to the notion that there is high value in singular expertise.

However, the celebration of mastering one art can be rather harmful. If not harmful, at the very least, it is a limited perspective to have on a life of endless opportunities. To be intensely familiar with only one small facet of our existence acts as a barrier between you and all the eccentric, enthralling prospects life can offer.

In delivering this advice, I am speaking particularly to my collegiate peers. College is the prime time in which you can explore interdisciplinary interests — something that is rewarded at USC through the Renaissance Scholar distinction — while progressing toward academic goals. Especially at an institution like USC, we are given endless opportunities to explore potential for community, career and companionship. I implore you to take advantage of this period of our lives.

You cannot become a wonderfully dynamic individual while isolating yourself from the rest of the world; you must allow yourself to be subjected to its vigorous experiences. Go and learn Portuguese; take on ballroom dance; and understand the magnitude and wonders of space and this vast universe. Talk to your neighbor about their family recipes; write that memoir you’ve always wanted to. Put yourself in a position to find out what you’re passionate about and what you’re not.

Human nature shouldn’t be bound by confinement. It would be both ignorant and hypocritical to live an existence enveloped by one path, one potential. We are curious creatures put on this Earth to explore, create and understand. If you feel as though your life lacks this innate interest, here’s my remedy: Diversify your talents.

Learning and developing your skills as an individual can never be a negative thing; rather, our desire to become greater can drive us to become more well-rounded versions of ourselves.

So try everything, and do so boldly. Follow your fascinations with unwavering faith; your journey will always make sense in the end.

Paulina da Silva is a junior writing about culture and community in her column, “Pauli’s Slice,” which runs every other Friday.