I want to start by saying this: if you worked your butt off and got into a college in hopes to pursue your personal dream or ambition, I am so proud of you, and you are awesome!

However, how many people can say they truly love college? I am not a college student, no, but I know a ton of people who are in college, and they don't seem happy at all. I may be wrong, but from my perceptions I can see that those who really did not want to go to college but felt obligated to go are miserable at school. Those who go to college to live a dream or work on a goal feel more successful and happier with their college experience. From my former classmates, I can definitely sense a lot of stress, uneasiness, and frustration. Of course there are good weekends and some pretty cool experiences along the way, but overall, if you don't want to go then don't.

Senior year is a very stressful year for me. I am choosing not to go to college right away and the school and staff is doing everything they can to make me feel guilty about it. Seniors are pressured right off the bat to start college as soon as they graduate. Why, though? We have spent 13 years in high school. Why would I rush into another school for 4+ more years? If you want a break and just want to work and relax, do it. If you want to travel the world, go for it! Don't let school keep you from what you truly want inside. After all, you are young. You have a life that needs to be lived to the fullest.

Teachers and colleges will do everything they can to get you to apply. It can be overwhelming. Don't let this get to you. Others around you can also play a part in making you feel bad about not going to college. It is not a sign of laziness, and it is not procrastinating. I personally hate being stressed out, and I do not like school. I have a choice to go to college or not, and I choose to wait, and that is okay. I have done 13 years of government forced schoolwork and I have the right to take a break, live my own dreams, and be happy and stress free. You do, too. Do what makes you happy, not your school.