How is it like going to college?

Hi Linda,

These are great questions, and you are certainly not alone in wondering where you'll be and what everything will look like a few years from now. For what they're worth, here are my 2 cents:

The best part about college will be your peer group. The self-selected classes will intrigue you, the professors will make you grow intellectually, and the years away from home will help you become truly independent -- but the friends you make will permanently change the way you think. College will introduce you to a whole new set of friends outside of your hometown, where it's more likely that you're around like-minded people with similar backgrounds. Your college friends, by contrast, will come from all walks of life, and they will challenge your assumptions, help you discover new layers of tolerance, and expose you to entirely new beliefs and thought processes.

I say this to (hopefully!) excite you because college is a fantastic time no matter the size of the school or the proximity to home. As the saying goes, "everything is okay in the end; if it's not okay, it's not the end." No matter the immediate experience of applying to, selecting, and paying for a college, you will have a uniquely formative experience, and remember it as one of the best times in your life.

Good luck!

Kellyn

Hey Linda,

Starting college is a very scary thing to do. Leaving your home and your friends that you've had for a very long time can be daunting. I remember the feeling when I first arrived at orientation seeing so many other students, but not knowing any of them. You just have to remember that everyone is in the same situation as you. Everyone is feeling anxious and wants to make friends too. And people are so diverse with a variety of interests and you are bound to find others with similar interests as you.

Paying for college is also very stressful. If you are concerned about this, make sure that you talk to the financial aid at the schools you are considering attending. In my experience, financial aid has been really helpful. You can sit down with them and talk over your options. Remember that work-study can be an option as well. Keep your options open and be sure to consider private scholarships as well as scholarships from the university itself.

What I'm trying to say is that college is an amazing experience. You learn so much about the world, about other people, and about yourself. You make lifelong friends, lifelong memories and when it's over, you'll wish it weren't. It's scary at first, but if you take the leap you won't regret it! Work hard, play hard, and find your passion. Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities you're given and you'll do just fine!

-Krissy

Hi Linda, I'm sure you understand that nobody can really say what's going to happen tomorrow. But you sound pretty determined in going out there and try. Look into what you would need to get a scholarship and which school can offer you the best program. Also see what the community the school is located in has to offer.
Education is extremely important, not only to achieve success in a job career but to be a good human being.
There is a quote I'd like to share with you: "the secret of life is to have no fear".
Using your energy about wondering "what if" won't get you a scholarship or the life that you want.
Believe in yourself and work hard, everything else will come.

Linda - just know you are not alone in experiencing those feelings and fears. Tommaso's advice is great. Remember, college is time for you to explore opportunities, try new things and meet new people. The connections you make in college will enrich your life and may provide career opportunities down the road. College may be uncomfortable at first because it is a new environment, new teachers, etc. but after some time you will make it your home. It takes time and patience of course to settle in to a new environment. My college experience was great, I took a variety of classes and tried new things. I ended up changing my major and doing something different than I thought I would because I tried new things. Fear is normal, just don't let it hold you back from getting the things you want.

Going to college is a challenging and sometimes scary experience. You have to put yourself out there and work really hard in order to be successful. However, it is absolutely worth it. Going to college, I learned a lot about myself and I matured as a person. I am thankful for my college experience. Although it wasn't always easy or perfect, it has helped shaped me into who I am today.

Hi Linda,

First of all, you are entering a truly exciting and formative part of your life. College was one of the best experiences of my life. There is certainly nothing to be worried about, but that does not mean college didn't present it's fair share of challenges and hardships. My primary advice to you is to take your current passions into your college studies and not to pick a major strictly based on job prospects after college. If you enjoy art, science, or engineering now, then you will certainly love it as a profession. If you trust your instincts and work hard, the happiness and financial rewards are sure to follow!

Good luck Linda!
Luke