I recently dropped a class, and I’m feeling a bit lost and frustrated with myself. I attend a community college and was enrolled in four classes (12 units) for my art major. One of those classes was Drawing 101, which I really enjoyed, but it’s a four-hour morning class. The challenge for me was that I had three more classes scheduled back-to-back afterward, and I struggled to keep up with the workload, especially given some personal issues I’m dealing with right now. Honestly, there were times I found it hard to attend or even be on time more than I’d like to admit.
I invested in supplies and tuition for the class, which makes it even harder to accept that I had to drop it. I want to finish community college within the next three years, so this feels like a significant setback. I keep thinking that if I had just pushed through like others, I wouldn’t be in this position. But here I am, and now I’m looking for some guidance.
As a freshman, I’m still figuring everything out. What should I do next? Is it possible to enroll in another class for my major? I know I need to speak with a counselor, but I’m not sure what questions to ask or what steps to take. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially during your first year of college. Remember that many students go through similar struggles, so you’re definitely not alone in this.
First, give yourself some grace. Dropping a class can be a tough decision, but it sounds like you were trying to prioritize your mental health and well-being, which is important. Don’t be too hard on yourself—college can be a significant adjustment, and it’s okay to reevaluate your course load to find what works best for you.
As for your next steps, here are a few suggestions:
Talk to a Counselor: It’s great that you recognized the need to speak to a counselor. They can help guide you on your academic path, discuss your current situation, and help you understand your options moving forward. Bring any questions you have about your major, classes you can take, or potential alternatives.
Consider Your Course Load: Think about how many classes you can realistically handle while still maintaining your mental health and personal life. It’s okay to take a lighter load if it means you can focus better on your courses.
Look for Alternatives: Since you’re in an art major, see if there are other classes you can take that interest you but may not be as demanding right now. This could keep you engaged and moving forward in your program without overwhelming you.
Time Management: Consider developing a schedule that includes time for studying, classes, and self-care. Balancing personal life and school can be tricky, but a plan can help.
Get Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or peers who can provide support. Sometimes talking it out can help you feel better and gain perspective.
Reflect on Your Experience: Take this as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This can inform how you approach your future classes.
Remember, your mental health and well-being are just as important as your academic success. You can absolutely turn this setback into a stepping stone for future growth. You’ve got this!