In the fall of 2016 I was ready to take on my next adventure--going to college. I was enrolled in school at the University of Vermont and I couldn't have been more excited. However, after spending two weeks there I knew that it wasn't the right place for me. I was more miserable than I have ever been in my life, partly due to the fact my mental health was not under under control and also because I was simply not ready to go to school. I ended up transferring to the University of New Hampshire and couldn't be happier.
For a lot of students college is the most stressful time of their lives so far. It takes an insane amount of courage to power through the workload, the social scene, and trying to succeed. For me, I needed an extra four months to figure myself out. Here is what I learned:
1. You do not need to follow the yellow brick road
For the majority of people who go through the traditional school system we are led to believe that we have to finish high school, with honors. And, our next step is college whether that means a community college or a four-year university. Society leads us to believe that we cannot take a break between high school and college and if you do you're lazy and weak.
After going against propriety myself, I learned that this stigma is false and an inaccurate description of the variety of paths we can take. I've taken this experience to other parts of my life as well and have taken the route best for me, not what society deems the "correct" way.
2. Take care of yourself first
Taking a semester off was something I did for me and me only. A lot of the time I do things to please people around me and make sure they're happy before I make myself happy. By deciding what I need to do to make myself comfortable before making other people comfortable allowed me to finally feel like I was doing something just for myself.
Going away to school is a really tough transition and some people need to take time to learn more about what is best before them before delving into another new part of life. Take this semester at home to pamper your body and mind. Get in a the habit of working out, it will make handling stress much easier. Take maybe one or two classes at your local community college this is a cheaper way of finding your passions than spending thousands of dollars at a university.
3. Going to school will open doors for you
I spent my time off putting all my effort into my job--which I love. However, I felt that I was already in a rut and I hadn't experienced anything new. I longed for something more even if I was content with my life. Within my first month of school I was offered an internship, got involved in clubs that matched my passions, and I found a new love for zumba. If I had tried to go to school in the fall most likely I would've spent my time missing home and my family instead of trying to focus on bettering myself.
Taking a semester off allowed me to find my passions because it was a decision that jumpstarted my journey of figuring out who I am. Take this time to figure out who you are. Then, take what you learn back to school with you because I can guarantee you'll be presented with opportunities you'd never even consider prior to this time off.
