The idea of college is very exciting... and it should be. Your hours are more flexible, you can make a schedule that fits your needs, there are a lot of cool people, and you feel like an independent adult most of the time.
However, there are also some downsides to the college life that one may not anticipate. To be honest, I was surprised to discover some of the barriers that have gotten in my way. They were never a problem in high school, but became a problem in college.
College has left me feeling very lost. It has made me realize that although I thought I had it all figured out, I truly didn't.
My passions and what I'm good at are not the same as my desired career. I'm a sophomore who still hasn't declared a major.
I have been put in situations where I have been forced to take care of my mental health (which has been a really good thing). I have had to develop new study habits. I have failed epically at some things I have tried, and that's a hard pill to swallow when you're not used to failing.
Luckily, the good of college outweighs the bad. Your sole purpose of going is, of course, to gain an education in a field of work and eventually land a job. It sounds simple, but along the way you will discover so much about yourself and have many really beautiful breakthroughs. You will also meet AMAZING people and realize you are not alone in your struggles.
You will learn to be vulnerable and open up to those amazing people. You will find out who your friends are and what kind of people you want to be friends with. You will place more value on family time. You will learn numerous things about yourself, even things you want to change. You will find your place, it may just take some time.
I am writing this in hopes of relating to that college student who feels lost. If you keep pushing and hanging on you will discover how great the college life can be. It is difficult, but worth it for sure. This is a very challenging age, but make it worth your while.