Transition from high school to college
How did your life circumstances change after you left High School?
I experienced positive and negative life circumstances during the period of transition from high school to college. In high school, I enjoyed peer group relationships. I could interact with same age friends and the friendship was associated with pleasurable experiences and psychological satisfaction. I enjoyed companionship, intimacy, and encouragement. I can also say that I valued friendship while in high school as it helped in identity formation and self-esteem. After high-school, my life circumstances changed because I lost the friendships and relationships. I developed anxiety and depression since all my friends were enrolled in other colleges. Even though I had excitement and happiness for achieving my dream of joining a college, I felt upset and lonely. I could not interact with my parents and friends and therefore I lacked a sense of belonging. In college, I learned that college life is a period where one need to make a definite identity and live an independent lifestyle. Therefore, this was a new life stage and I struggled with anxiety since I was unable to make personal decisions. However, I am optimistic and I gained a self-focus and was able to make independent decisions,
How prepared did you feel going into this new phase of your life AND in what area did you discover that you still needed guidance/help?
I felt unprepared going into the new phase of life. In highs school, the most important thing was to attend class and the teacher could follow the curriculum. I general, I depended on teachers. In college, I found that students need time management, teamwork, and personal responsibility. One is also required to set career goals, create a lifelong commitment, and explore new activities. I feel I was not prepared because I lacked life skills that could help in managing time, making new friends, coping with homesickness, and adjust to new life. Since I got myself in a new world, I discovered I needed guidance on how to cope up with loneliness, pressure of studies, and the new life.
What has been the most significant change, and what is the most significant lesson you learned during this time period?
In high school, I valued friendship more than academic. However, the most significant change since I joined college is gaining independence and freedom, and realizing my own potentials. I focused of my professional and developed a big picture. I learned that the most important thing is to live happy and free, focus on the power of learning, be kind, and create a small social circle and surrounding yourself with people who make you feel worthy and happy.
Response 1
Many students think that college is all about independence. As a student, you were eager to become independent and enjoy life to the fullest. Unfortunately, college life is beyond gaining independence. College is a place where one become challenged and inspired. An important point to note is that freedom and own independence is not bad but college students use the freedom to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as passing time with friends, partying, watching movies, and more. Thus, it is important to use the independent and freedom to improve future lives. Luckily, you realized the difficulties during transition and learned the importance of setting personal goals and having an academic pursuit. Overall, transition from high school to college is associated with a myriad of challenges but it is easier to overcome these challenges by visiting academic resource center and students help center. I also agree with you that friends, peers, or family play a significant role in personal development. However, it is important to follow your heart and engage in healthy behaviors that will help achieve personal and academic goals.
Response 2
I am happy for you that you were academically prepared for entering college. What students need to know is that college is a new world and failure to get prepared will contribute to many disadvantages. Students need college-oriented mindset, practice good habits, and work collaboratively. With no doubt, college preparation will help the student learn how to manage time, become organized, become responsible, and accomplish personal and academy goals. Another important point is that college students need to understand that freedom and independence should provide strength and self-confidence toward making decisions and solving problems. Finally, friendship and relationships are a source of love an excitement. It is important to address the relationship problems and recognize the self-worth.
