What unifies college students across the globe is the fact that college is stressful.
After graduating high school, before our frontal lobes have had the chance to develop, we must face the stressful decision of whether or not it is worth it to put ourselves into mountains of debt for education and the promised chance of a better future.
I am currently a junior design student, which means I have had plenty of time to experience all the struggles and mental breakdowns that students can encounter during their college experience.
I have seen the number of classmates in my program dwindle over time. We have gone from a room full of eager students to a measly five students in the program.
I cannot blame them for leaving, I understand. This makes me wonder if this is all even worth it. Are the physical and mental tolls worth it?
The largest stressor I am currently facing is getting a summer internship. If I don’t get an internship before the end of the semester, then my graduation will be delayed, and I’ll be behind by a whole year. Not only would this delay my graduation, but it would also affect my finances and standing in life. I will be behind on the goals I’ve set.
As you can imagine, getting an internship weighs heavily on my thoughts. It haunts me as I go through my day, and I can’t even escape this dreadful feeling when I sleep. Because internships have been on my mind, I’ve started dreaming about them.
I am sure we have all had that one assignment that has taken us so long to complete. You may have pulled a couple of all-nighters and maybe a couple of hairs out, but once you have finally clicked the submit button, there is no better feeling than that weight lifted off your shoulders.
This is how I view college: one big assignment. I am sure none of us like homework, but it sure is good once it is over.
Last semester was the toughest I have had so far, and my professors knew. I felt like I couldn’t breathe because of all the assignments that kept piling up.
My professor told me after it was over that if I could persevere with such a large workload, I could easily face anything the rest of my college experience has to offer.
Hearing this from my professor brings me comfort in tough times and late-night projects. I’m tougher than I think.
So, college is stressful. What is my point? My point is that even when I look back at the late nights and tears, I wouldn’t change anything. Going to college was my choice. I wanted to learn more and be better because I love the profession I am pursuing.
Knowing that at the end of the graduation stage is a future where I can live with a career that I look forward to makes it all worth it.
To finish, is college worth it? For me, yes. For you, it all depends on your perspective and your perseverance to get to the finish line.
College is just a stepping stone in the garden of life, and once it is complete, there is a whole adventure waiting. Granted, the adventure of reality and life won’t be easy, but if you have faced college and come out on the other side or are in the process of doing so, I hope that gives you the determination to keep going.