Being in college is supposed to be difficult, but many of us don’t realize this when we arrive on campus.
I attend a liberal arts college in New England and am surrounded by individuals who excel in their academics, their sports, their performances, their writing…essentially in every possible area. The first couple days of school I found myself questioning whether or not the admissions office had made a mistake- that somehow I slipped through the cracks and finagled my way in.
As classes began, though, I realized that I wasn’t the only one overwhelmed and nervous. I felt myself participating more in the classes that intimidated me and being more open about what was stressing me out. I am still at the beginning, but the past few weeks have been made a lot better through this communication with my peers and advisors.
I realize that there are so many resources to help students and many of them are overlooked. Here are a few that, if your school offers them, you should seek out.
- The Counseling Center
College is hard. You are thrown into a completely new element as a young adult whose brain is still developing. You’re not supposed to have all the answers. Talking to someone who is not directly involved in a particular situation you are dealing with can be incredibly helpful. Knowing that someone is there who wants to listen is reassuring in itself. Even if you go just once or every week, it is normal to seek out help and should be encouraged on more campuses.
2. The Writing Center
I’ve been to my school’s writing center once so far and have two more appointments scheduled and the semester isn’t even half over. I am a writer, but I need help organizing my thoughts and arguments. Take advantage of resources like a writing center. Even if you’re the next Emily Dickinson, having another set of eyes on a piece of writing helps tremendously. Knowing that resources like these exist also gives comfort because college students aren’t supposed to be critically acclaimed writers. It takes practice, work, and mistakes to improve writing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
3. Multicultural/ Diversity Center
As colleges and universities begin the long path of undoing or removing institutionalized racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination, administrators and faculty have opened different offices and centers to acknowledge the multiplicity of identities held by its student body. These facilities help create communities and recognize the beauty in many identity groups.
Join clubs, take that hard class, get involved. I regret not being involved in more communities in high school. College is a time for exploration and to meet people you normally wouldn’t know in other contexts. You may have opportunities in front of you, but it is up to you to take advantage of the resources your school offers. I know that I am incredibly privileged and lucky to go to a school that has great resources, and I acknowledge that other schools may not have these same opportunities. But my advice is the same, regardless.
It is okay to ask for help. It is okay not to be adjusted to such a transition. But there are people in place to help, and I urge you all to seek out that help. I have, and it made me feel a lot better.
