Navigating the Challenges of College and Life
Balancing college and life has been an overwhelming experience for me lately. I recently returned to school to pursue a degree in Engineering, or at least something that sparks my interest, but the stress has been intense.
Thanks to my parents’ military background and my mom being Native American, I have the incredible privilege of attending college for free, which I know is a rare opportunity. Currently, I’m enrolled in Algebra, English, and Engineering classes with dreams of becoming an engineer one day. However, after two years away from math, the transition back has proven difficult. I recently bombed my math exam, scoring just 9 out of 100—something I’ve never experienced before, even during challenging times. Stress is piling up, and I’m facing so much all at once.
My mom passed away last November on Veterans Day, which inspired me to pursue my education, but now I’m juggling college with a myriad of other responsibilities. I work long shifts at Tesla, usually 12 hours, and 3-4 times a week, often taking on overtime just to make ends meet. I’ve had to repay my roommate for borrowing too much, which added to my stress, but at least that’s resolved now. On top of that, I’m dealing with my mom’s finances, the VA, and transitioning everything into my name—like the insurance that was previously under hers.
To make matters worse, I’ve recently had to deal with a frustrating situation at my apartment. The management parked a golf cart in front of my garage, forcing me to park elsewhere, and my vehicle ended up getting towed after just a day. I had to fork out $300 to get it back, and it’s not the first time I’ve had issues with the apartment complex, which takes forever to fix basic things like a door or an oven. My roommate and I have decided it’s time to move out due to all these ongoing problems. While I’m not thrilled about his choice to leave, I understand his reasoning. I’ll be moving in with my uncle and aunt, which may ease some of the burden.
With everything happening, my college performance is slipping. I’m managing to keep up with English and Engineering, but math has become a serious struggle. I’m even considering dropping the course this semester and retaking it over the summer. The pressure is so intense that I often lose focus on simple problems, and there are times when I just break down in tears. Adding to my anxiety is my family’s history of heart issues; on nights when I work, I’ve gone days without sufficient sleep, sometimes blacking out briefly on the job. I find myself using my breaks either to tackle homework or catch a few moments of sleep, but it never feels like it’s enough.
And honestly, a heartfelt shout-out to the challenges of adulthood—it’s exhausting!
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a tough time. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when you have so much on your plate. Juggling college, work, and personal responsibilities—especially after losing your mom—can feel incredibly heavy.
It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot of stress and loss while trying to chase your dreams, which is no small feat. It’s okay to feel like things are falling apart at times; you’re navigating significant challenges. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to reach out for help, whether it’s talking to a professor about your math struggles, seeking tutoring, or even connecting with a counselor who can help you cope with everything on your mind.
Given all these pressures, it might be worth considering taking a step back and focusing on your well-being. If dropping a class for the semester can relieve some stress, that’s a valid choice. Your health, both mental and physical, is paramount. It’s hard to be successful when you’re feeling so overwhelmed.
Moving in with your uncle and aunt could also be a positive change, giving you a supportive environment. Don’t hesitate to lean on friends or family during this tough time. You’re not alone in this.
Hang in there, and remember to take things one step at a time. You’ve already demonstrated resilience by being back in college and working hard. You’ve got this!