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How does someone transition from High School to College, especially if you're someone who didn't posses basic life skills such as cooking, driving, etc. and is not independent?
I'm ashamed to admit it, but I don't know how to cook nor do I know how to drive. I also don't know how to be independent as I always relied on my family for help or guidance. Knowing I'll essentially be all on my own, sooner or later, I don't even know where to begin my journey to independence, especially since I'll be living in the dorms. I'm afraid of making the next big step into my life, but I do know I have to push through for my future. I will be an incoming student in the Fall 2025 term, attending UTEP, majoring in Computer Science, so any advice or help would be appreciated!
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Brittany’s Answer
Start small! Even those of us with a few decades under our belts still feel like we don't have it all figured out sometimes. That's the fun of life, there is always something to learn or ways to grow. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities!
Why not ask your family if there is a task you can take over at home? Maybe it's learning to cook one meal a week. Maybe it's packing the lunches for siblings or parents who work. Maybe it's taking over the cleaning, or laundry, or feeding the pets. If you make mistakes, it's okay, your family is still there to support you. Once you commit to it though, you'll find yourself gaining confidence and becoming a pro at whatever that task is.
Once you feel somewhat comfortable (not perfect!) with that initial task, look for another. Maybe look outside the home this time. Can you volunteer a few Saturdays at your local library? Start dog walking in your neighborhood? Look for something low-stakes but that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Once again, you'll be amazed at how well you do once you gain some confidence!
Then rinse and repeat. Keep incrementally pushing your comfort zone outward, and look back over what you've accomplished before to stay motivated and encouraged!
Pick one new thing to start doing around the house and commit to it, even if it seems hard
Why not ask your family if there is a task you can take over at home? Maybe it's learning to cook one meal a week. Maybe it's packing the lunches for siblings or parents who work. Maybe it's taking over the cleaning, or laundry, or feeding the pets. If you make mistakes, it's okay, your family is still there to support you. Once you commit to it though, you'll find yourself gaining confidence and becoming a pro at whatever that task is.
Once you feel somewhat comfortable (not perfect!) with that initial task, look for another. Maybe look outside the home this time. Can you volunteer a few Saturdays at your local library? Start dog walking in your neighborhood? Look for something low-stakes but that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Once again, you'll be amazed at how well you do once you gain some confidence!
Then rinse and repeat. Keep incrementally pushing your comfort zone outward, and look back over what you've accomplished before to stay motivated and encouraged!
Brittany recommends the following next steps: