The process of transferring colleges can be daunting, especially because we place an immense amount of pressure on ourselves to choose a perfect fit the first time.

I spent the duration of my high school experience dreaming about what my life would be like as a college student, painting an idealistic fantasy in my head of unrealistic expectations. Upon gaining a more clear sense of identity throughout my freshman year, I have realized that there was no way I could have known exactly what I wanted from college before I had any college experience.

My freshman year has influenced my growth in ways I never could have predicted, encouraging me to realize what really inspires me, excites me, and the crucial changes I need to make in order for me to enjoy my college career to its fullest potential. Through gaining clarity and a more confident sense of identity, I have concluded that Syracuse is not the right school for me, and I cannot remain here wallowing in self-pity and expecting a change rather than being proactive about my education by seeking out the best next step.

I know that I need to put my happiness first and make the best decision to fulfill my needs personally as well as academically because four years is a long time to be unhappy.

I was so nervous to tell my family about my decision because they are so proud to tell people that their daughter goes to Syracuse and do not understand why I am feeling negative about my experience here. The opinions of others should be secondary; despite who is paying the bill, it is still my degree and the beginning to the rest of my life. My parents' opinions cannot dictate whether or not I am happy here.

College is truly what you make of it, and it is so much more than sitting in class. If you are not happy in your environment, or you are unable to fulfill your needs in order to be truly at peace, then you need to take the necessary steps to change that for yourself.

You are never trapped in college. Just because you had fantasized about a certain school does not mean that you will love it when you get there, and that is absolutely okay. As you begin to discover more about the person you are and want to become, you will realize that your needs may change. Being unhappy at your school, or feeling like it is not where you belong, does not mean there is something wrong with you and it certainly does not mean that you are stuck there.

The college application process is a stressful memory from high school that I never thought I would have to and never wanted to relive, but I know that the result will be so worth the journey because reaching a point of happiness and peace is worth every effort required to get there. Transferring is such a risk, and the thought of regretting my decision is terrifying, but we must take risks in order to seek the best parts of life and to achieve our greatest goals.