Amidst the prom shopping, senior day skipping, and savoring the last moments of your teenage years, there’s one thing I’m sure is still looming over most high school seniors’ heads: college decisions.
For some, this might not feel like a huge deal. Maybe you’ve already committed, or college just isn’t your main concern right now. But for those of you who are still in limbo, feeling the weight of uncertainty, the pressure of making the “right” choice, and the realization that the future is suddenly very real. I hear you.
First, take a deep breath. You’ve made it through one of the toughest parts of this journey, and now, it’s time for the next chapter.
But let’s get something straight first: where you go to college does not define you.
If you had asked me a couple of years ago where I’d be going to college, my answer would have been completely different from where I actually ended up. I had my sights set on going out of state, chasing a dream I had built in my head of what college should look like.
But life had other plans. A mix of rejections, financial aid realities, and unexpected opportunities reshaped my path. At first, it felt like a setback, like I wasn’t in control of my own future. But looking back, I realize that every moment, every decision, even every redirection led me to where I needed to be. And for that, I wouldn’t change a thing. What I thought was a detour turned out to be exactly where I was supposed to be.
When applying to college, you’ll often hear about finding the “right fit.” And I truly can’t emphasize that enough. It’s easy to get caught up in rankings, big-name schools, or where your friends are going, but the truth is, the “perfect” college doesn’t exist. The best school for you is the one that aligns with your goals, values, and what makes you happy. A big-name school might look great on paper, but if it’s not the right fit for YOU, it won’t feel like home. Even then, a school you may not have initially considered could turn out to be the perfect place to grow, thrive, and find your people.
College is all about trusting the process. Yes, rejections sting. Maybe your dream school said no, or you’re heading somewhere that wasn’t your first choice. But here’s the thing: college is what you make of it.
Some of the most successful people didn’t go to “top” schools, and even at elite universities, plenty of students struggle to find their place. What matters isn’t the school’s name but what you do with the opportunities in front of you.
Looking back, I see how my path was shaped by a butterfly effect. If I had gone to my “dream school,” I wouldn’t have met my best friends, found the mentors who push me to grow, or discovered passions I never knew I had. I wouldn’t have had the experiences that shaped me into who I am today.
Whether you’re heading to your dream school, a state university, a community college, or still figuring things out, know that your future is not defined by one decision.
College is about growth, discovery, and becoming the person you’re meant to be.
So trust the process. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.