It is okay if college is not what you thought it would be like. I would never say to stop romanticizing our lives but we do need to come to the acceptance that not everyone will have the same experience and college is not all fun and games. I always thought I would have a traditional four year run, get my degree and start off in my career, but life had other plans. I have been to three different colleges, all completely different experiences, all cherished of course but none were in a traditional manner.Â
My first year I studied at a private college in Manhattan, NY. Honestly the best experience ever. I would have to commute anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on traffic but the trip there was always worth it. Not only did I get my steps in but I also got some me time to listen to my favorite music and plan out my day. I loved getting there early and going to my favorite Starbucks and working on some homework (or HerCampus articles!). Our college wasn’t big at all, only taking up two small buildings but it was filled with such immense talent. It was an arts school therefore you would see future dancers, singers, actors, production professionals everywhere! It was so inspirational and gave me a certain drive to meet my goals. It being such a small school didn’t stop it from giving us the resources we needed, their connections were incredible! Plus being at the heart of the city helped as well. I had so many opportunities being there, getting to see what my future career would be like, romanticizing my life in the city (specifically my favorite area- Sheep Meadows in Central Park) and meeting amazing people. Sadly all good things come to an end and I transferred upstate.
Being upstate was a completely different experience. This time I got to live on my own and truly learn myself. I had the best job ever, my commute to school was less than 10 minutes (and free!) and I was in such close vicinity to the largest Walmart (a shopping addicts dream). I also met some of my favorite people there who I still keep in touch with. Being there for almost 2 years I truly tried to work on myself, mentally and physically, but unfortunately sometimes life doesn’t care how hard you work. I ended up withdrawing from school, knowing I would be back but making the decision to better my mental health as I was in no state to be in school at that time.Â
Now finally, a pandemic and a few years later, I am completely ready to immerse myself in my studies & future career. This feeling of nothing can stop me has pushed me so far and now I get to do it with two little ones motivating me! If you would have told me I would be in college finishing my degree in my mid 20’s with two kids I would have probably looked at you crazy. My high school self always thought I would have the traditional 4 years, and boy was I wrong. Yet, every experience has been eye opening, and has led me to where I am today. Everyone I have met along the way has changed my life, truly. Every experience I have had I cherish deeply, learning from my mistakes and making new ones. I would not change my college life at all, even if at times I was on the verge of crashing out!Â
Your path is personal, not comparable. Your choices are life altering and that is for a reason. When you look back you will see that everything was meant to happen. Every decision, small or big, will lead you to where you are supposed to be. I promise comparing your college experience to others won’t help or change anything. All you can do is be thankful you are even on this journey, cherish it fully and enjoy it because whether it’s four years or a span of ten, it will be over before you know it. One thing I would advice: step out of your comfort zone. It will be the best thing you can do in this experience!Â
