It seems that it is every high schooler's dream to be able to finally graduate and join the higher ups at college. There is so much time and planning that goes into the search for your school; Touring campuses, applying for scholarships, looking at possibilities for majors — it's no wonder that towards the end of high school, it becomes less about acing the final exams and graduation, and their world starts to revolve around FINALLY getting to college. But is it worth it? Is all the money spent, papers filed, questions answered, really able to give you an experience you will enjoy so much more than high school?
Yes, if you ask me, it is. And here's why.
The freedom.
No longer do you have to stay in the same place for the whole day. No longer are you restricted to such a strict schedule, with limited break time. No longer do you need to ask to use the bathroom! College finally gives you the opportunity to be treated as a responsible adult with more opportunity to come and go as you please— allowing you to freely roam around your campus with little to no restriction. Your classes aren't always at the same time, and the intimacy of high school has been overturned by a bustling community filled with people trying to help you succeed. Plus so many new areas are available to explore and conquer— the freedom is all yours. Feel free to explore your fledgling adulthood.
The classes.
So many cool different classes are available to take in college. You can learn about so many things that high school would have never taught you, and be able to take classes for the things you love and are passionate about. Never in high school would I think I could possibly take a fashion class, or a class all about casino gambling! There are never-ending possibilities of different directions your college classes can take you. And with gen ed requirements, you may end up taking a class that teaches you something absolutely incredible, and perhaps changes your life. So really go out and explore the academia in college. You'll never know what you can find.
The people you meet.
It's so much easier to find people to befriend in college. With thousands of new faces surrounding you on a daily basis, being able to find people who share similar interests as you and enjoy the things you do is much simpler than in high school. As you are not constantly surrounded by the same people all the time, new friendships could be made every day. Plus, the faculty and staff has grown tenfold from high school to college, so you can meet adults who would like to mentor and help you throughout college, as well as perhaps show you things you've never seen before. Everyone is a teacher in college— telling you about the world in their own individual way, and guiding you along, as you do the same to them.
The things to do.
Activities on a college campus are unlike any other experience students have had. Just looking through my school's student life page, the amount of extracurriculars are astounding— an astronomy club, so many different Greek life programs, various groups for people of certain heritages... it's absolutely endless. Though the clubs and activities offered in high school are vast as well, they more than double in college, and thus, leave something that everyone can do while they're at school. Plus, student clubs aren't even all of it— there are also parties, outings, going to shops and restaurants either on campus or off... among other things. You will never be bored at college.
So, to my future college students, don't fear that the struggles of high school will continue to follow you throughout college. College is an experience unlike any other, and you will learn and grow so much more than you ever did in high school. College will change your life forever, and in the best, most positive ways. So don't fret, and just remember that the best is yet to come.
