Transitioning from high school to college can feel isolating. As a student coming from a small high school that lacked resources and opportunities, I’ve struggled with exploring my passions and finding guidance. Having to be independent made me feel disconnected from the “college experience.” It was very challenging to find a community that supports me on top of the existing academic rigor. Now, entering my third year in college, I’ve decreased these stressors and increased my sense of belonging by surrounding myself with communities of people with similar experiences. I also found the right support and resources for me.
Initially, these barriers intensified a new strain of imposter syndrome regarding my academic abilities. I felt overwhelmed when I walked into my first general education science class; it was a lecture hall of 400 students, and I felt like I had been thrown into the deep end. The cycle of taking general education classes, which I believed weren’t my strongest areas, affected me deeply. I questioned my abilities and found myself missing opportunities because I was so focused on trying to improve my academic weaknesses. One weekend when I returned home, I relayed my doubts to my mom that I couldn’t see myself succeeding. Although she couldn’t relate to my feelings, she encouraged me to finish the quarter strong, and her words of affirmation became a powerful motivator.
Inspired by this support, I sought various forms of assistance to address my concerns. I contacted my TAs, the campus writing center, and academic advisors, who guided me in finding my passions and looking forward. As a result, I approached the final quarter of my freshman year with renewed focus. I enrolled in introductory classes that aligned more closely with my interests and encountered passionate professors whose research and teaching styles ignited a newfound curiosity. This journey ultimately led me to pursue my current majors in psychology and education!
Finding my passions also led me to join mentorship programs that were instrumental during my first year of college. I connected with many mentors across various campus organizations, allowing me to share and relate to their experiences. Recently, I’ve engaged with the first-generation community on campus, which has provided me with the sense of belonging I had been seeking. These communities have instilled the confidence to pursue leadership roles that are aligned with my professional interests. Currently, I am involved with several non-profit organizations that support underserved students nationwide on their journey to college.
As I approach the final two years of my undergraduate studies, it feels like a sprint toward the finish line of this chapter in my life. I finally feel like I have the hang of it. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of self-advocacy and balancing professional development with academics. The transition to college can be challenging, so it’s crucial to find supportive communities and share your experiences, as many others may be feeling the same way. While finding your footing in education, networking opportunities, and various communities can be difficult, it is ultimately a rewarding process.
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