The Pressure of Having it “Figured Out” in College
When entering the new world of a university, as young adults we often feel expected to have everything figured out. We’re encouraged to pick a major, follow that course path, and have a degree to show for it after four years. Everyone always seems to have a plan; everyone, that is, except me.
For a majority of my college career, I realized I was following somebody else’s dream. Although I made the decision to attend a traditional four-year university, I never really felt that it was right for me. I followed what everyone around me said to do. I kept up with assignments, managed to maintain a decent GPA, and attended class regularly. When listening to my classmates speak confidently about their path and post-grad plans, I started to ask myself: What do I actually want?
Early in the start of fall semester of my senior year where I decided to change my major. This decision changed my timeline at West Chester drastically. I no longer was due to graduate at the four-year mark, and had to add additional classes to my already jammed packed schedule. However, this allowed me to take a different perspective. I figured out who I was becoming and what career path best fits the person I want to be. Although this decision was difficult, it was also the most honest decision I had ever made for myself.
The Misconceptions About College and Success
One big misconception about college is thinking we all have it figured out. We see classmates and friends talking about med school, law school, or grad school and assume they know something we don’t. But what we’re missing is the weight they carry behind closed doors. With the struggle to balance school, work, and friends, plans often do not quite fall into place when expected.
College is supposed to prepare us academically. We take exams, complete projects, and learn to work under intense pressure. What we don’t learn is how to navigate the uncertainty of the real world when we leave. We are groomed to take the opportunities presented to us and make peace with where we end up, even if that’s where we feel our loneliest. Our fears about making the wrong choice or wrong career path are common but rarely talked about.
Moving at Your Own Pace
For the longest time, I felt there was something wrong with me for not knowing exactly who and what I wanted to be. I think the truth behind it is that we don’t always find out those things behind a zoom screen or in a classroom. Of course, it can help us find different interests, but at what point do we come to decide this is what we want for ourselves. For me, it took life experience, personal growth, and even some mistakes to understand what I cared most for.
During my first three years of college, I continued on the path that was handed to me. I never questioned it because I didn’t know another way. Through many meetings with advisors, group projects, or time spent with friends, I began to realize there was more than just black and white. I started to see the color, and my interest shifted. Although it may not be ideal, making a change to your career might be the best thing you do for yourself, no matter the time.
Perhaps the most difficult challenge is witnessing our friends and peers move forward while feeling stuck in one place. What I have come to realize is that “falling behind” is a misconception. If we take a second to look around, we may realize the person sitting next to us in class might feel the same. Whether peer, parent, or stranger, you’re not the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out. We are all meant to find our path, no matter the time frame.
You’re Exactly Where You’re Meant to Be
If you’re reading this and find yourself feeling slightly behind, just know you are not alone. We have all questioned our path in life. We make mistakes, try new things, and figure it out along the way. Don’t put a time frame on your success, it’s alright to change directions and take your time. Even though it’s not often talked about, it’s happening all around you.
So yes, everyone may seem like they have a plan and everything is figured out. However, trust me when I tell you, you are exactly where you are meant to be! You are not behind, you’re just on your own timeline.
-Haley Crowley
