The Transfer's Dilemma: Semester One And Starting Over | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Transfer's Dilemma: Semester One And Starting Over

Sometimes the greatest help in making your choice lies in hearing what others have done prior.

65
The Transfer's Dilemma: Semester One And Starting Over
Pexels

The move to switch colleges isn’t for everyone; the idea of starting over – for the second time – leaves individuals feeling as if they’re staring into a void. Imagine you’re perched atop a cliff trying to decide between enduring what you despise, or embracing what you don’t know. This emulates how many first year students feel. On the cusp of completing my first semester at Northeastern, my experience validates these preconceived notions. I walked into the school not knowing what to expect. Coming upon Thanksgiving Break, I know my choice gave me a new beginning and brighter outlook on my own future.

Post-transferring, high school friends reached out to me, telling me their stories since graduation and seeking advice to see whether or not they should make the jump as well. Though incapable of making the choice for them – no two people are alike – I know sharing stories brings the greatest of comfort to those in the midst of uncertainty. With that said, I wish to convey my experience thus far, for the road of a transfer student is far from easy, but one that's never taken alone.

One must open up to the people most beloved; I promise they’re listening. A year from the initial conversation with my own loved ones, I’m acutely aware my family and friends gave me the confidence to say, “this situation isn’t for me.” This statement isn’t an all-encompassing one; I failed to let many loved ones in on my unhappiness, and now look back on that decision with regret. Blood runs thicker than water just as true friends stick by you in your darkest hours. In times such as these, the added support system becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

Transferring schools should be a last resort. Period. Everyone needs time to adjust to new environments, and very few feel immediately at ease in new situations. Nevertheless, base your decisions moving forward on what will enable you to thrive, not what reads well on a piece of paper. As a survivor of clinical depression, I left my former university after one semester to come home and recollect myself. My decision rendered many speechless, as I gave no outward indication of depression, and exited my former university without a word of the demons I battled in my own mind. I share this because choices made without mental clarity become the choices we regret most in life; thus, I impress upon those reading to ask yourself, “do I need to adjust, need a change of scenery, or need to take a break entirely?”

Closing the book on the past, the last bit of my tale and advice brings me to my current situation. Coming from a newly adjusted student, I will say this: BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF. Acclimating takes time, energy and a willingness to embrace your surroundings. Get involved, talk to people, and never be afraid to call on loved ones when you feel low. Just like freshman year, the first month will possess many trials and tribulations. Your friend group changes 500+ times in one week, you’ll be asked, “why did you transfer?” more times than you’ll be able to count, and there will be moments you second guess every choice you’ve ever made. Believe it or not, that makes you just like any other transfer student. The lesson lies in knowing when to take a step back and allow yourself to be human.

For those asking yourself, “college should be the best time of my life, what’s wrong with me?” you’re one of millions. As a society, we paint this glorious picture of constant parties and casual hookups when the topic of college arises; how far from the truth that is. College tests you; expect hills and valleys, not smooth sailing. When hardships attempt to quell your resolve, know that for every dark day, there’s a brighter one around the corner. 'Til that brighter day dawns, just breathe. You’re doing the best you can.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

76632
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

6873
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments