Dear Nedlam, I’m a senior and with college right around the corner, I’m still uncertain if college is for me. What should I do?
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for reaching out! First, I think it’s important to point out that there is nothing wrong with not knowing what career path you want to take on, even as a senior. There are many people who are struggling with the same problem as you and you just don’t know it. I feel the need to point this out because I don’t want you to think that just because you don’t know what you want to do doesn’t mean college is out of the question.
Many students go into college as undecided so even if you’re not sure, college is still something worth considering. It offers many opportunities to students that are not only for education purposes, but for social ones as well. College is a place where you can learn more about responsibility and individualism. It’s your first step out of the comfort of your own home, in a new environment, surrounded by people you’ve never met before. It may sound terrifying at first but that’s completely normal and soon you’ll grow accustomed to it and see it in a positive aspect.
I will not lie to you and say that the college process isn’t stressful though because it is. Application deadlines approach quickly and you have to make sure everything is intact. You’ll be worrying about the finances, college essays, teacher recommendations, SAT and ACT scores, etc. but like I mentioned earlier, you’re not alone. It’s going to be frustrating but only for a short while. There are people around to help you and look on the bright side: you won’t have to worry about it for much longer because you’ll be graduating really soon and by that time, you’ll already have the results from colleges!
Now, if you aren't sure if college is right for you, then it may not be and that’s okay! Between the stress of school work, living on your own for the first time, not knowing anyone and so much more, it can be too much for some people to handle. Homesickness is a very real part of going to college if you move away from home. Whether you are 5 minutes away or thousands of miles. You have the decision to commute or live on campus, but it’s entirely up to you and it’s whatever you feel most comfortable with.
College can give people a ton of opportunities, but it also can give you a whole lot of debt. Going to college is very expensive, with the tuition, the housing (if you don’t commute), a dining plan, books and just everyday expenses. Whether it is FAFSA, scholarships, or loans, almost everyone that goes to college needs some sort of financial help, but that isn’t always enough or even an option for some. There are so many people who can’t afford going to college, but that’s okay because there are other alternatives!
There are other paths that can lead to success other then college. Trade school might be the perfect option for you, especially if you are more hands on. You could go to school to be a mechanic, a plumber, an electrician, a dental hygienist, a cook, a radiation or respiratory therapist, etc. The opportunities are endless!
If you need a break from school altogether, try a gap year. You could travel or get a job and save up some money before you make your next move. And if more schooling is not what you want to do, working right after high school is an option too, and it can teach you so much about “adulting” and the “real world.”
No matter what path you choose, be sure to choose one that is true to you. It may take some time to figure out what you are happy doing and you may feel overwhelmed in the process, but be sure to do something that makes you happy because you may just be doing it for the rest of your life and that can be pretty exciting!
