coffee Convos

Letʻs be real.

College can go either one of two ways: You make it out with your degree or you fold and decide to go a different route in life.

Whether you stay in college or decide to take that other path in life, as long as you are happy, it does not matter what others think.

Meaning.

We were taught to get a good education our entire upbringing. High school, college, job. Thatʻs the three constant things we are told that will guarantee our success.

Hereʻs what I learned.

I went the college route. After high school, I went to a local community college to save money before I eventually transferred to a University to finish my degree.

There was no shame in the route I took. All my friends were going to college after high school and my parents wanted me to continue my education. So, it was an easy decision.

Especially when I did not have a solid plan in life at the time.

Well, after the first couple of weeks in college, I felt the freedom I never thought was possible with learning. This was the speed that I wanted to learn things and the knowledge I was gaining was more than I could have imagined.

It did not take me long to burn out.

By the end of my first semester, I started doubting if this was really for me. Once my first year of college wrapped up, my mental health started to decline.

As social media was the main way to keep up with classmates and friends, I noticed a lot of changes in ourselves within a year of graduating high school.

Those who were top of their class in high school, were the same who couldnʻt make it out of their first year of college, whereas those who barely got by in high school were living out their college dreams.

But to say life was an illusion at the time is an understatement.

The one thing we go into college feeling is our ambitions. It is the stepping stone to where we want to go in life.

Therefore, we feel we need to cram as much education or experience as we can within that first year. I only have one thing to say about that.

Take a step back, and breathe.

I’ve seen countless people be burnt out before they’ve received their degrees. They simply say ‘I’ve come too far to quit now’ despite their visual unhappiness.

The college route will make or break you.

It’s okay if, in the end, it breaks you. College is not for everybody. Countless people can be successful without a college degree.

Sometimes you need hands-on experience rather than learning from books. Seek trade schools or an entry-level job in your desired career field.

Don’t push yourself past your limits. Your college experience is different than the persons next to you and that’s okay. It just means you’re figuring yourself out at the same time.

Lastly, if you feel like your mental health is declining and you start to doubt yourself. Try seeking professional help. Talking to somebody doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong by acknowledging that you need the extra support.

I’ve been there. It’s uncomfortable at first, but it helps in the long run. Don’t be afraid to seek help.

Until next time,

Sweet T.