The college years are often seen as time of self-discovery, growth and achievement. But for me
my college journey was much more complicated. As I look back , especially at the challenges I faced
during the pandemic , I realize how much I've grown not just academically , but as a person. My story
is one of resilience , perseverance , and embracing the unexpected.
Starting The College During The Pandemic
It was 2020, the height of pandemic , when I began my college life. Everything felt new and
unfamiliar . For the first time , I was in an environment where I knew no one , and the isolation of
online classes made it harder to connect with others.
In my first year , I decided to handle everything on my own. Group activities didn't appeal to me
because I valued my time above all else. While others collaborated, I preferred working individually.
At first this seems like the best approach , but as the semester progressed , I started to feel the weight
of my decisions.
The Challenges of Isolation and Competition
College soon became overwhelming. The competitive atmosphere, combine with the demands of
online learning , drained me . There were moments when I questioned myself whether I wanted to
continue. I felt out of place. unsure of my abilities , and burdened by my financial struggles.
To make ends meet , I had to take on side hustles, which added to my stress . At times , I felt like
giving up. But then I reminded myself why I started : I wasn't studying for anyone else but for my
dreams and have a good life in the future. That realization kept me going.
The Shift of Face to Face Learning
After two years of online learning , transitioning to face-face learning felt like starting over. The
classroom environment , which should have been exciting , felt strange and unfamiliar. I struggled to
find my self in this new setting, but I pushed through , determined to make the most of my remaining
college years.
Graduation : A Milestone with Mixed Emotions
On June 27 , 2024 , I graduated. It was a day I had worked so hard for , but surprisingly it didn't
bring happiness I expected. The journey to that point had been filled with so many challenges that it
felt more like survival than success. The two years of online learning had drained me and the face to
face years felt too short to truly feel like I belonged.
The Lessons I Learned
Despite the challenges , I've come to appreciate the lessons my college journey taught me :
- Resilience: Pushing through self-doubt and financial struggles showed me strength.
- Patience: Growth takes time , and every step no matter how small or big matters.
- Perseverance: Even when I felt like giving up , I kept going , and that is something to be proud of .
My college journey wasn't perfect , but it was mine . It taught me that success doesn't always look or feel the way we expect. It's about the effort , the growth and the determination to keep moving forward. even the odds are against you.
To anyone reading this who feels like giving up: remember , your journey is unique, and every challenge you face is shaping you into a stronger, more resilient person. Embrace your path and trust that the lessons you learn along the way will guide you toward your goals.
What challenges you faced in your own journey? Share your story in the comments below. I love to hear from you.
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