I think everyone has been asked "How do you like school?" at least 20 times throughout their first semester of college alone. While it's a nice gesture, it upsets me how untruthful people are when they answer that question. You could be absolutely miserable but you're still going to give the short and sweet answer of "fine" or "good" because god forbid your high school friends don't think you're thriving at the next chapter of your life.
During the past year, I've seen a lot of different reactions to people's first semester away from home. Some people love their new home, some people haven't really figured it out yet and some people already know they'll be transferring next fall. However, I've noticed that even some of my closest friends have a hard time saying that they don't like school. I don't understand where this stigma comes from that you can't be unhappy at college. I think people have a hard time accepting it because they feel like they made the choice to attend the school we're at so it's ultimately their fault but that's not true.
People need to realize that it isn't a bad thing to struggle at school. It's also not a bad thing to be open about it either because chances are, everyone else is feeling the same way. I personally love my school but that doesn't mean there wasn't a transition period. There were definitely times where I questioned my choice and missed my life back at home but you work through it and move on. But if you can't do that, that's why schools creating the opportunity for people to transfer. People need to realize that hiding their true feelings, just enables them from talking about it with other people who could help them through it. It's not an embarrassing thing to not like the school you're at and it's not your fault. Sometimes you just don't know what you're getting yourself into because how much can you really tell about a school just from going on a tour? Just like many things in life, you can't plan ahead so you just have to take the plunge and see what happens and if it doesn't work out then it doesn't work out. I just think it's sad that people get so embarrassed for not having the freshmen year that you see in the movies. It's not a big deal, it doesn't make you any less of a person.
All in all, if you're having a tough time at school, I want you to know you're not alone. Whether it's the school itself or just a rough patch in your life, we've all been there but don't let this stigma of needing to thrive stop you from turning to the people you would've in high school. They're still there for you and always will be even if you're not the frat star you thought you'd be.
