Is College Right for Me?
Hi everyone,
This is my first time posting here, and I could really use some perspective. I’m currently a sophomore in my second semester, and I’m starting to feel like college is causing me more stress than it’s worth.
For some background, I completed all my general education requirements early and recently decided to pursue a dual major. Now, I’m feeling overwhelmed and like I’m not making enough progress, despite retaining a good amount of the material. I’m not sure if this pressure is due to the demands of a dual major or just my personal struggles. While I grasp concepts like calculus fairly well after discussions with my professor, the classes for my other major are really taking a toll on my overall well-being.
I’ve never experienced this level of stress in my previous courses, and it’s making me question if college is the right path for me. Right now, I’m feeling a bit lost and unsure of how to move forward. I’ve talked to my advisor—who is incredibly supportive—but I’d love to hear other perspectives on this situation.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi there!
First off, it’s great that you’re reaching out for advice—recognizing how you’re feeling is an important step. It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, especially with pursuing a dual major. Balancing coursework can be tough, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times.
Here are a few things to consider:
Reassess Your Goals: Take some time to think about your long-term career goals. Is a dual degree necessary for what you want to do? If not, it might be helpful to consider whether you could focus on one major and still achieve your career aspirations.
Course Load Management: Sometimes, taking a lighter course load can alleviate stress. Would it be possible to adjust your schedule to focus on one major per semester or even drop a class if you’re feeling swamped?
Utilize Campus Resources: Take advantage of academic support services, like tutoring or study groups. They can provide help and make difficult subjects feel more manageable.
Prioritize Well-being: Remember that your mental health is important. If the stress is affecting your well-being, it’s worth exploring options to help manage that. This could include counseling services offered by your college.
Talk It Out: You’ve mentioned your advisor, which is fantastic. It might also be helpful to talk to faculty members in your majors or other students who are in similar situations. Sharing experiences can offer insights and support.
Take Time to Reflect: Allow yourself some space to make a decision. You don’t have to figure everything out immediately. Sometimes stepping back can provide clarity.
Ultimately, do what feels right for you. College is a journey, and it’s okay to take a non-linear path as you navigate your way through it. Good luck, and remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way!