To the Struggling College Student | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Friendships

To the Struggling College Student

It always gets better.

266
To the Struggling College Student
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2018/05/23/636626954722795442377564994_TO%20HAPPY.jpg

We've all been there. Whether it's the slump of sophomore year, senioritis, or the real fears of being a freshman, we've all at one point questioned our college decision and even going to college in general. These common epiphanies seem like earth-shattering realizations at the time, but as someone who was about two seconds away from transferring, this is what I've learned:

This time last year, I was in intensive therapy for an incident that left me with these realizations. I was also almost fully-enrolled to become a UC Davis Aggie after my freshman year at the University of Arizona. And most importantly, I felt I had no self-worth or value. I felt friendless, ugly, and alone.

First things first, I'd like to thank the friends that left me my freshman year. I'd like to thank you for showing me how to respect myself, despite the fact that you could never did. I was alone. The thing was that I really was alone. It was tragic, and I was desperate. So to those friends who tested me more than I could've imagined, thank you. You made me feel small and unimportant. You made me feel worth nothing. But here's the thing about feeling small and worthless: no one can without your consent. They were making me feel bad about myself because of how they were acting because I was insecure about myself. I made it through without any of you, the people I thought would never make me feel the way I did. So thanks.

Now, here's where the real thank-you belongs: the friends that were there. The ones who promised to never leave and didn't, the ones who kept me from transferring, because God showed me a glimmer of hope in each of them. Thank you to the friends who showed me regardless of how alone I feel, I never really will be. Thank you to the friends who pulled me out of my darkest moments and saved my life. Thank you to the friends who told me to stay and told me they loved me, you were crucial in the storyline of learning to respect myself.

For those of you that felt like you wanted to give up hope after freshman year, I understand. I sympathize. I know what you're going through. To the people who feel like they're sinking, I know how it feels to be alone and like you don't have anyone. It's not true, you are worth it, and one day you're going to find the friends and people that make it all worth it.

It sounds cheesy, it sounds lame. You probably don't believe me, but it always gets better. It always will. Last year, I felt rejected, alone, and like I had no friends or anyone that cared about me. This year, I cannot be more grateful for those lessons I learned the hard way that led me to the amazing life I'm living.

It wasn't changing schools that would have fixed my problems, I honestly think I would've struggled with the same things at UCD, which isn't the same for everyone. It was buckling down, going through what I had to, and learning the lessons I needed.

Everyone always told me it gets better and things will change and you will mature, and I never believed anyone, but I was wrong.

I'm so proud of who I am, who I've formed relationships with, and how I've carried myself. Don't ever tell yourself it doesn't get better. It does. I wouldn't trade anything that happened to me, or how I handled it.

Thank you to those who have stood by me this year. Thank you to my family. Thank you to the University of Arizona. This year was extraordinary, and all I am is excited for what's ahead.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1236
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

747
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199898
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20687
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments