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Student Life

You Don't Need Your Life Figured Out By The First Day of College

I once was a college freshman who thought I was behind in college even before the first day. I didn't know what I wanted to do and that scared me.

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You Don't Need Your Life Figured Out By The First Day of College
Megan Benson

I once was a college freshman who thought I was behind in college even before the first day. I didn't know what I wanted to do and that scared me. I had created this idea in my head, because I still was unsure of what I was interested in and wanted to study, that I needed to catch up as soon as I could. I hated saying "I'm not sure yet" when people would ask me what I wanted to study before I even left for college. Looking back on all of last year and seeing where my head is at nearing the end of my first semester of sophomore year, I wish I could go back and tell myself to relax because you will figure it out.

You don't have to know what you want to do right away. Yes, some people will know right away, but for others, it will take more time. It's about waiting for the moment when you sit in a class or learn a concept that clicks, and makes you want to learn more. Some people have had a passion that they know they want to continue into college, but others will learn it along the way of their years in college. It could happen in an instant, or it could take an accumulation of moments for you to find the area that you want to continue to learn more about. You're going to school to learn about something you could be doing for the rest of your life, so don't worry if it takes some exploring to figure it out. You'll get to take some pretty cool classes and learn some pretty cool things along the way.

I felt the same way. I had an idea of what I wanted to do but didn't know how I could get there. It wasn't immediate for me, it took a few advising meetings, conversations with mentors, and lots of soul-searching. In one of my classes this year, I finally had my moment. I was sitting in a huge lecture hall learning about a certain concept and at that moment, I knew this is what I want to do. It wasn't easy getting to that moment, and I still don't have a perfectly laid out plan, but I've learned that that's perfectly okay. The past year and a half have been filled with ups and downs, self-doubt, and a whole lot of exploration. But now, for the first time really ever, I'm excited about the classes I get to take in the future and everything I will be able to learn.

Especially freshman, but really anyone still looking for their passion in life, don't try and wish it into existence. It will happen and you will find your thing. Then you can start all the planning and move forward, but don't be discouraged until it comes. Trial and error is a good thing because you are able to learn so much about your self. Take classes that interest you even in the slightest, listen to what people tell you your good at. You don't have to know what you want to do on the first day of college, let this be a time where you can explore and figure it out on your own time.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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