“I’m going to get my degree, build a successful career, and earn a lot of money!”
This is what many high school students tell themselves when looking forward to attending college. You probably belong to the same category. But not long into your college stint, you find yourself completely lost. You don’t even know why you’re there in the first place.
Being in such a situation can prove stressful and frustrating. However, you might take comfort in the fact that this can happen to anyone. Even the most successful people you know may have had their fair share of struggles as a college student.
The fact is college life isn’t as simple as many people would have you believe. By now, you probably know that it isn’t comparable to your high school years. You may have been a straight-A student in the past, but high school success doesn’t always carry over to college. Everything is just too different than many students experience a culture shock.
Entering College Unprepared
No matter how excited you felt before going to college, it’s inevitable to find yourself hitting a roadblock at one point or another. It’s possible that you do not enjoy the courses you’re taking. Or perhaps you think you’re just not smart enough to complete your degree. These thoughts are completely natural, but you don’t have to blame yourself. The sad truth is that many students enter college without adequate preparation.
You may have grown up in a place where not going to college is almost considered taboo. What’s worse is when everyone around you wants to see you go to Ivy. Such high expectations can put a toll on anyone. It’s as if you have no other choice but to study in a top-tier university. Otherwise, you’re not getting anywhere.
There’s also the thing about being too clueless about what you really want to do in your adult life. You probably have a lot of friends who didn’t know what degree to pursue in college. Should you make the “safe” choice and go for something that’s in demand? Or maybe you’re considering a rather peculiar degree which your parents would definitely disagree with?
Deciding on a career path at a young age can be incredibly stressful. This is exacerbated by other things such as the never-ending rise of tuition fees. At 18, most students don’t care about money. Getting a student loan is almost a given, thinking that you can pay it off later once you graduate and get a job.
Should You Drop Out?
Feeling unhappy with your college life might make you consider dropping entirely. After all, if you’re not enjoying, there’s no point in sticking with it, right? Also, some people manage to accumulate vast amounts of wealth even after dropping out of college. It’s easy to be optimistic and say that you’re going to be the next success story.
There are cases in which dropping out is actually the best option. If you have found something that brings you unparalleled joy, then perhaps there’s no use to spending more time in university. Some people seem lucky enough to find their true passion earlier than others. Just look up the stories behind prominent people who didn’t finish college and you’ll realize that taking the leap toward the real world sooner rather than later can actually be fruitful.
But what you should remember is that dropping out doesn’t mean there’s no turning back. You can take some time off to think things through. Go and take a vacation to have some much-needed “me” time. It is during this that you may find whether or not attending college is the best route to take.
Knowing When You’re Ready
If you take the time to observe your college peers who seem to really enjoy their college life, you may notice that they share one thing in common: They go to college because they want to be there. Now, there are many reasons for this beyond academic purposes. Some students aim to pass with flying colors, collecting accolades to beef up their resumes. Others go to school for the co-curricular activities, things that allow them to acquire new skills which can prove beneficial in the real world.
It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to realize when you’re ready to go back. No matter how embarrassing it might seem to return to college when you’re late into your 20s, there’s no reason not to enroll and get off to a better start. What matter is that you wait until you’re ready? At this point, you should know what you’re getting into and what it takes to achieve what you want.
This is a big decision you’re making; one you should never take lightly. The thought of dropping out might be causing a lot of sleepless nights but picking yourself back up is all you need to determine what’s really best for you.
It’s Your Call to Make
Remember, nobody’s forcing you to attend. There might be high expectations from parents, relatives, and friends, but the ultimate decision rests in your hands. It’s up to you to comply with these expectations and demands. And when you do decide to comply, be sure to do so while pursuing something you want for yourself.
It also helps to keep in mind that going to college, or education in general, is a huge privilege. Not everyone faces the same conundrum. There are those who simply don’t have the means to enter college. Do you really want to give up something that others can only dream of?
College is a choice. It’s your call whether to get your degree at the soonest possible time or take a bit of time off to learn more about yourself.
For most college students, considering the idea of not finishing their degree could be one of the lowest points in their life. But no matter how difficult the challenges you face seem, know that you can always get help.
Not enjoying your current degree? Shift to a different one.
Don’t know what you really want to pursue? Maybe take a semester off to busy yourself with other things and learn what you want to study.
Feel that you’re not good enough because you couldn’t understand the lessons and finish the tons of homework? Turn to Assignment Expert service to get the job done.
As the old adage goes, “if there’s a will, there’s a way.” Remind yourself that you’re better than whatever roadblock comes your way.
