College Concerns

Going to a Jewish Private school there were few things set in stone for my experience: a close class of smaller than 40, teachers who know me personally, and  my “favorite” (not my favorite, that was sarcasm) Hebrew and Bible classes.

I think everyone thinks about how their lives will change from high school; that is where we were last. The transition can be harder or easier depending on someone’s high school experience. For instance, a boarding school student is much less homesick than someone who went to their local high school.

The point of this all is that people have different things that they are used to in their environment and I think the scariest part is getting comfortable in that new place. Whether that be socially, physically or personally. Portraying your whole personality is not easy in a first impression and I think entering college we all have some vision of a new identity we will make for ourselves, trying to portray certain attributes.

With that we consider who we want to keep around us, who is toxic in your life, who propels you forward. Sometimes there is no one else to help you but yourself, and that means piecing the puzzle however you can, without the reassurance of your family beside you. The first semester in college can be a challenge for that reason, you are alone to deal with challenging tasks. Eventually you hope to find people to confide in and enjoy your time with, however that does not necessarily happen immediately.

The reason I brought up my past experience is because I feel like It developed into my concerns of college. Sadly, from my conversation with the Orange high students their concern was how to even sign up for college, completely unaware of the resources online, as well as the common app. They all were concerned with getting the funds and scholarships for school, they were concerned it would be a lot of work.

In general I noticed these kids had not considered college for their future necessarily. When I asked what they want to do when they grow up they shrugged their shoulders unsure, I asked if they wanted to go to college at all and they said “We don’t like school”. At this point I reaffirmed them that I indeed “dont like school as well, however I do not have the means to get a job and support myself so I accept that I need to learn more and meet more people in my life, that experience is through school for me.”

I tried to help them understand that school is for networking and developing as well. It is hard to see but you grow a lot through your experiences during school. I have tried to look at the glass half full during my experience, as dreadful as homework and getting up for class may be, there is a grand scheme of success.