Do not limit yourself to a college degree
Although I am not a seasoned veteran at college yet (I will save that title for the super seniors and those who feel they have mastered it, because I have NOT), I have survived four semesters of college, and I am working on making it through this one.
If there is one thing that college has taught me it is that when you think you have hit rock bottom, it can get lower; and the lower you get, the darker it gets. College is hard. Don’t let anybody tell you differently. It may not be the class work that is hard, but learning to manage your school work, social life, and finances on your own is something that takes practice, and it is not an easy thing to begin the journey into adulthood.
College is not only stressful, but it is expensive. And all of our lives our parents, teachers, and guidance counselors have drilled it into our heads that if we don’t go to college, the rest of our lives will be a dismal failure.
This is not true. Although everybody can benefit from the life skills and knowledge that you can acquire in college, it does not mean that college is necessary. College costs a lot of money, and that can be a setback. It can create a chasm of debt that is hard to crawl out of after graduation.
Maybe you have found out that college is not the right place for you. If this is the case, I urge you to follow your convictions, and do what is best for you. I am not suggesting that you drop out to only end up a bum on the streets. Just know that there are career paths that do not require a college education.
If a college education is something that you determine you do not want to pursue any longer, come up with a plan and goals that will sustain you. You can use the real world to find mentors and learn practical skills. You can travel, volunteer, intern, and apprentice.
There is a wealth of opportunities that you can take advantage of. Maybe a college education is one of them, but don’t limit your education to having your name on a piece of paper hanging in a dusty frame.