The day I graduated, buzzing with excitement over the diploma in my hand, I felt ready for the next chapter in my life. "It's going to be the best four years of your life!" I was promised by my family and teachers. And while their enthusiasm for my future was and is appreciated, I do wish they would have conveyed to me, the more chaotic aspects of college life.
The shift from high school to college is one that can actually be overwhelming or even scary, but being prepared for the possibilities may help make the transition smoother. This is the first time you're experiencing freedom and true responsibility for yourself. People may start treating you differently, as you're seen as an adult now. This new dynamic can be unsettling if you feel unprepared for all of this newfound responsibility. Keep in mind this is all new to you, and no one expects you to have this "adult" thing all figured out yet. The best way to combat any confusions about living on your own, is to ask questions. This is something I've always struggled with because I thought that moving away from home meant that I had to figure things out on my own. Just because you're an adult now doesn't mean you can't ask for help.
People did warn me that the college course load would be more of a challenge, but I still felt sucker punched when classes started. My first semester I was registered for 20 credits. The max amount of credits a student can take at my school is 21. Just taking on all of those classes was a little overzealous, but to top it all off I added on extracurriculars. I auditioned for and was given the lead role in the gritty musical, "Cabaret". Each day left me feeling more drained. I just couldn't give all of my energy to every class and my show, so my grades in certain classes began to slip. I was ashamed of how poorly I was doing and struggling to keep up. I felt like I was trapped in a room and all the walls were closing in on me.
Finding balance is vital in college. Education is incredibly valuable but so is your well being and happiness. You're already adapting to adulthood, new friends, and a new school, putting too much on your plate will only cause your stress to consume you. There will be many elements in your life now demanding your attention, but be sure to make some time for yourself. Additionally, you may even find yourself questioning why you're in college, if the major you're in fits you, or what you want to do with your future. When stressing about future plans, keep in mind that you have enough time. If you're questioning what you want to do or are trying to pick a more suitable major for yourself, try out a few different classes that sound interesting to you and see what speaks to you. College is a time of exploration of both the world and yourself. Questioning who you are, what your purpose is, and what you want to do in your life is completely normal, and just takes some searching. Just know that many other people are in the same position as you are, and you don't have to know what you want to do just yet.
College is a time of change and adjustment, and although it can be overwhelming at first, it really is also going to be incredibly liberating and fun. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone, and people will be there to guide you--as long as you ask.
