I am currently a sophomore at Marshall University, and I have quite a few friends that are freshmen. I love watching my friends adapt to college, and I love being able to answer their questions. I was very lucky to have older friends that answered my questions last year, so I am happy to be that person for my friends now.

Recently though, I have noticed a common feeling of uncertainty from most of my freshmen friends. People tell me they are not sure if Marshall was the right choice, or if college in general was the right choice. I feel bad because I hate they feel this way, but I tell them the truth. I felt that way last year. Most people I know feel that way at some point. I think everyone feels like they maybe made the wrong choice at some point in their college career.

I remember going to my best friend’s room last spring and crying to her because I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere. My family moved away from the place I grew up, so that was not home anymore. Where they moved definitely never felt like home. And I went through this phase where Marshall really felt like the last place I was meant to be. And she was the only person I told for a while.

The months following that night just made me more sure that I should not be at Marshall. Everything in my life felt like it was falling apart. I considered dropping out multiple times over the next seven or eight months. It just didn’t feel right to be here. It didn’t really feel right to be anywhere though, so I stayed.

And here I am, a few months later, and I am glad I stayed. Marshall feels like home now. When I go to see family over breaks, I miss Marshall. It isn’t even just the people I miss, it’s my room, the campus, and my life here. I would not change any of it.

I know that it is hard to look past this uncertainty though. It is so hard to know if you are doing the right thing while you are doing it. All of those negative or questioning thoughts can be overwhelming, but sometimes you just have to ride out the storm.

The best advice I can give is to talk about it. Friends, family, and counselors will all be there to listen. They can give advice. You may be surprised to find out they maybe felt the same way at one point. Talk to those people that will support your decision to stay in school or try a different path.

Because maybe you are right. Maybe college was not the right answer right now. Maybe college was right, but Marshall was not the right environment. Maybe you were meant to join the army or just work for a little bit or take a year to relax. I think time will always reveal the answer. Because maybe you aren’t completely sure about it yet, but maybe Marshall really was the best decision ever.