Understanding the Challenges of Repeating College Years: A Personal Reflection
Navigating the journey through higher education can be a complex and emotionally taxing experience, particularly for international students studying abroad. Many students encounter setbacks that test their resilience and determination. One compelling example is the story of a dedicated student pursuing an English degree in Europe, who finds herself facing repeated academic challenges and emotional struggles.
Academic Challenges and External Factors
This student successfully completed her first year, passing most courses except for three, all taught by the same professor. This instructor has gained a reputation among students for being particularly strict and, at times, unprofessional, prompting petitions for reevaluation of her grading practices. Such environments can create additional stress for students striving to meet academic standards while managing interpersonal dynamics.
The Impact of Academic Assessments and External Pressures
During a gap year, the student worked to support herself and managed to pass two of her challenging courses. However, she failed to pass one key class, which involved writing an analytical essay and delivering a presentation. While she succeeded in the presentation, her essay was flagged by an AI-detection program, falsely indicating that the work was not her own. Despite her explanation that she simply used advanced synonyms to improve her writing’s professionalism, her professor required authentic, original work for assessment.
Repeated Efforts and Ongoing Anxiety
Determined to succeed, she took another gap year to produce the essay again, balancing employment with academic responsibilities. Now, she awaits her results with mounting anxiety, plagued by nightmares and fears of failure. She worries that her efforts may still fall short, and her academic journey could be derailed once again.
Emotional and Financial Implications
Financially, the costs associated with tuition and exams are significant, and feelings of disappointment and frustration are compounded by concerns about her parents’ expectations. For her, education is a vital pathway to a future in teaching—a dream that keeps her motivated despite setbacks. Yet, feelings of self-doubt and shame have become overwhelming, as she reflects on her academic decline from being at the top of her class in earlier years.
A Call for Resilience and Support
Despite these struggles, her determination to persevere and pursue her goal of becoming an educator remains strong. The path to higher education can often include hurdles that test one’s mental health and resilience. It’s important for students facing similar challenges to seek support—from mentors, counselors, peers, or mental health professionals—to navigate the emotional landscape of academic setbacks.
Conclusion
This personal account highlights