Why I've Thought About Dropping Out Of College
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why I've Thought About Dropping Out Of College

Sometimes, I fantasize about dropping out. But that's all it is. A fantasy.

289
Why I've Thought About Dropping Out Of College
ScholarshipPoints

As I'm making my way through the end of my sophomore year, I have had many doubts about staying in college.

I'd be lying to you all if I said that I never felt great while being here at college.

Somedays, I feel like I'm the greatest.

Somedays, I feel indifferent.

But the bad days? Those are terrible. I hate the thoughts that pop into my head.

Thoughts that usually come up are:

I don't belong here.

Maybe this just isn't for me.

I could be doing so much more.

I hate being here.

When I have these thoughts, I even come up with a temporary plan in case I actually go through with it.

But I love being in college at the same time.

But, in this short article, I want to tell you all why I've thought about dropping out.

1. Dropping out isn't a "bad" thing.

In this country, it's this taboo idea. But what people fail to understand is that dropping out isn't such a bad thing. It's not a bad thing at all. It's a time where people can find themselves outside of a classroom setting. It's a time where an individual can still enjoy themselves without having to do homework assigned by a professor. So when I think about dropping out, I think about how it isn't really a bad thing -- we just have this societal view on how it is. And honestly? I could care less about that.

2. Imposter Syndrome/Depression/Anxiety Sucks.

College is a stressful time. While you're learning MatLab, how to write a college essay, or studying for the Art History final, you're still learning about YOURSELF. And of course, you get time to learn about others that are your colleagues, professors, TAs, etc. And yes, at some point you will compare yourself (if you don't -- great! Keep it up!). Now, I do think that comparing yourself to others isn't a good thing (necessarily), but I do believe that it happens. And sometimes, you can't control the emotions that come along with it. My emotions tend to make me feel a bit impulsive, but with time and patience, I've learned to somewhat control them and this feeling of not belonging at a 4-year uni.

3. Some Drop-Outs Are Happy.

I think that we forget sometimes that our clocks aren't the same as another being's. We forget that you can drop out at 18 and have a successful life. We forget that you can graduate as an undergrad as late as 25 years old or even older and be successful (or not). In any case, whatever you think is right, usually ends up being what makes you happy (I hope). Yes, I actually know some dropouts that love their lives. Some working min. wage, some with their own small business. They're happy. Going back to #2, my emotions suck sometimes. And I wish I could be happy always, but I can't, as things happen (death, heartbreak, etc.). Or maybe you can, but I'm just not there yet. Seeing certain dropouts happy (EVEN CELEBRITIES) makes me wish I could just follow their steps. But every person is somewhat different. My clock isn't the same as Alicia Keys, Kehlani, Demi, etc. And that's ok.


I think we forget that you can be happy with whatever you do in your life. And college makes me happy (for the most part). Yeah, I get stressed. Yeah, I cried about my LAW101 paper that I turned in last minute, but in the end? I feel pretty damn good about earning a B.A. in English Literature, and no one can take that away from me. So, even though I think about dropping out, it's just a thought. I wouldn't even consider it a fantasy at this point. My dream is finishing my B.A. and that's what makes me happy.








Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57553
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37071
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958805
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191327
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments