College Experience Start To Finish During COVID
My college career started in the fall of 2017. At this time I was a Marketing major and I truly had no clue what I was in for. My first college semester picked up quickly. I realized how much time I would need to put it to get all of my work done. In the start I was extremely organized with it and frequently was completely caught up with my work by dinner time. Leaving my evening free.
This was also the time that I had started isolating myself in my dorm. My agoraphobia made me believe that the only safe place was in my room either at my desk or in my bed. Thankfully I had some amazing friends that helped to literally dig me out of dorm at times. (Thank you!!)
By my sophomore year I had changed my major twice. The first time around I changed it to Sustainability. I truly believe that Sustainability can help our planet prosper for longer, I quickly felt defected and depressed about the information I was learning. Then I took the leap of faith to do what I wanted in the first place art. As I made this choice the world was changing in ways I could have never predicted.
My college education sadly got to straddle the Covid pandemic that happened around 2019-2021. Although many people are still being affected by COVID these were the years of my education that were affected by COVID. Some may argue that even the year we returned was still affected due to the use of mask. Although I do not count it because our buildings were opened to us now.
I took a gap year because of Covid closing down our buildings. As a sculpture I felt it was very important that I had access to our workshops. With how everything played out I found out I was pregnant right before my last fall semester. A blessing and honestly the push I needed to actually graduate. I love joking that our daughter has 9 college credits under her belt!
This is my reminder to you that your college experience does not have to look like everyone’s else’s. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do with your life, you if you fail a class. It’s all a part of the journey!
#StartVsGraduation #letschat #collegedecision #college #motherhood
My college journey certainly wasn't linear, and yours doesn't have to be either! Many of us start college with one idea of how it will go, only to find ourselves on a completely different path. It's a time for immense personal growth and discovery, and sometimes the biggest lessons come from the detours we take. Like many, I started with Marketing, but soon realized my heart wasn't truly in it. Switching to Sustainability felt right for a moment, but the overwhelm of global issues led me to my true passion: art. Don't be afraid to pivot! Your 'college growth' isn't just about grades; it's about discovering what truly lights you up. Talk to advisors, reach out to people in fields you're interested in, and trust your gut. It’s a huge part of your personal development and key to making your university experience fulfilling. Remember, it's your education, and it should align with your evolving self. College can be a period of immense personal growth, but it can also be incredibly challenging, especially for mental health. I struggled with agoraphobia, finding comfort only in my dorm room. If you're isolating or feeling overwhelmed, please know you're not alone. Reach out to friends, family, or campus counseling services. My friends literally pulled me out of my dorm, and those connections were vital. Don't let fear or anxiety steal your college memories or prevent you from getting the support you deserve. Many campuses offer free or low-cost mental health resources that can make a huge difference. For many of us, COVID threw a massive wrench into our plans. Campus closures, online classes, and the uncertainty were tough. Taking a gap year, as I did, was a huge decision but necessary for my sculpture studies that required workshop access. If you had to delay, pivot, or adapt your studies due to the pandemic, remember that resilience is a superpower. Every unexpected turn is a chance to learn and grow, even if it feels chaotic at the time. It taught me flexibility and problem-solving in ways I never expected, which are valuable skills for life and career. Life doesn't stop for college, and sometimes incredible, unexpected things happen – like getting pregnant just before your final semester! It was a blessing and the push I needed to finish strong. If you're navigating major life events during your studies, know it's absolutely possible. It takes planning, support, and a lot of grace for yourself. Utilizing campus resources for parents, connecting with other student parents, and communicating openly with your professors can make all the difference. And seeing your degree through, even with a little one cheering you on, is an incredible achievement. Looking back '1 year after graduation,' I can truly appreciate how every twist and turn shaped who I am today, including becoming a mother while completing my degree. Whether your college path is straightforward or full of unexpected detours, remember it's your journey. It's okay to fail a class, change your mind about your major, or take a different route than your peers. Focus on your personal 'college growth,' learn from every experience, and celebrate every milestone, big or small. You've got this!
Oh, that’s really interesting but very reasonable experience.