When I open my Instagram its often crowded with images of tailgates, frat parties, or sorority formals.
These images lead you to believe that everyone else is having the time of their lives at the college or university they attend, while you may be sitting in the library stressing. The truth is, not everyone loves where they are and not everyone is obsessed with their school.
No one tells you how challenging the first year of college is. You are away from home, surrounded by new people, thrown into a strange environment, and for the first time, you are completely on your own. I always had the idea that I would go to college and my life would be just like the movies. Everyone would be friendly and mature, parties would be in big open houses with great music, and my days would be filled with fun activities. In reality, I spend the majority of my time doing homework or napping.
A lot of people have a hard time finding their place and their people, yet many don't talk about this struggle. It takes time to find who you belong with and truly open up. The people you first become close with are usually not the people who stay by your side for the next four years, but I can attest that when you do find your people, college is a whole new experience.
It's okay not to feel like you belong or to feel like you have not found your way just yet. If you think back to any new transition time in your life, I’m sure the same emotions clouded your mind and fill you with doubt. Just know that you are not alone in feeling this way. So many others are going through the same exact thing, but it's difficult to admit that hey, maybe I'm not obsessed with college.
Be honest with yourself and the ones you love. No one will judge you for being truthful with the way you feel and what you are experiencing. There have been several days where I have called my best friends or my mom and said, “Did I choose the right place,” or “Do I really belong here?” After talking these thoughts out of my head instead of putting on a fake smile, I can truly say a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
At the end of the day, it's okay to be unsure of where you are. Everyone's experience is completely different and comparing your time in college with others is not beneficial. It's okay if these aren't the best years of your life, but you can make them whatever you want them to be.
