Why I Dropped out of college.

Deciding to leave college was easily one of the hardest choices I've ever made. The initial guilt and fear of disappointing others weighed heavily on me. I worried constantly about what people would think – would they see me as a failure? But looking back, prioritizing my well-being was the best decision I could have made. My chronic illness meant dealing with constant pain and severe stomach aches, sometimes even at work, and those frequent ER visits and procedures, sometimes every six weeks, were incredibly draining. It wasn't just physical; my mental health was tanking under the immense pressure of trying to keep up with academics and campus life while feeling so unwell. If you're in a similar boat, feeling overwhelmed and like you're losing yourself, please know you're absolutely not alone. It's crucial to listen to your body and mind, even when society pushes you to follow a certain path. One of the biggest lessons I learned was to stop comparing my journey to others. Everyone's path is different, and sometimes, the traditional route isn't the right fit at that particular moment in your life. There's no shame in acknowledging that. Instead of feeling stuck or like I'd failed, I used the time away from college to heal and explore what truly made me happy and what I was good at. This period of reflection allowed me to discover a career path I genuinely enjoy, one where I feel valued and challenged, and I've even moved up to a manager position! It’s such a stark contrast to how I felt trying to push through campus life while battling persistent health issues, like that time I had a procedure and was coming off anesthesia, or when I was in a hospital bed with a tie-dye mask, just trying to get through another treatment. For anyone struggling with chronic illness or mental health in college, please seek support. Talk to a counselor at your school's health services, a trusted professor, or your family. Don't try to tough it out alone. There are resources available, and sometimes, simply acknowledging that you need help is the biggest and bravest step. For me, it took hitting rock bottom to realize I needed a completely different environment to truly thrive. Consider exploring options like taking a leave of absence, reducing your course load, or even looking into online programs that offer more flexibility. Now, I'm even considering going back to college part-time, but this time entirely on my terms, with a clearer idea of my goals and a stronger foundation in my health and well-being. My experience has taught me that dropping out isn't the end; it can be the beginning of a truly authentic and fulfilling chapter. It’s about doing what’s best for *you*, even if it means taking an unconventional route. Remember, your health and happiness are paramount, and sometimes, that means making courageous choices that others might not understand initially.