So college starts for me tomorrow (orientation). It’s a 4 hour flight away from home and I havent realized how scared I was until today. I’m scared about not only the rigorous academic aspect of my courses (premed, bio, and music major), but also the social aspect. Is it just me?
I think some kids hide it better than other, but even kids going to school with a buddy feel anxious and nervous. It’s natural. This is a completely new experience and you are on your own. Even my son, who was born without a worry gene, admits to being equal part nervous and excited. Next year, you’ll be a pro and will look back at freshman you and just smile.
You are absolutely not alone. We all have various excitement:terror ratios at different times. Don’t worry.
When Dad dropped me off at the dorm for the first time, he said something really amazing.
" I wish I could trade places with you."
It floored me and all my nervousness melted away, because I realized he really meant it. there were still a huge number of unknowns but a lot of them were going to be really really good.
Wow, that is so true. Hardly a week goes by that I don’t wish I could trade places with my college-age son (starting sophomore year). And I have a pretty good, fun, exciting, challenging, happy life. Bit still, to be starting college again? Oh, yeah, sign me up.
Honestly, premed and music is gonna be tough. But I know quite a few people who have done it. It’ll take hard work, but so do most things. College is really exciting. I can’t say that everyone loves it, but I for one have enjoyed all of it so far. I think that everyone has a niche somewhere at their college. There’s intramurals, gaming clubs, fraternities, honors organizations, etc. You’ll find a place with people you like. Don’t worry if you get there and don’t hit it off with everyone right away. My first quarter I often just played games in my room, and hung out with the few people I had met. Now occasionally I’ll be out from when I leave for class until 1am because of clubs, studying, and hanging out at friends’ apartments and such. It just takes time.
So being nervous is understandable, and totally fine, in fact. Almost every other kid will be nervous too, even if they don’t show it.
I went to school a flight away (granted it’s a little under an hour and a half usually, but a flight’s a flight) and it’s honestly helped me mature a lot. You can’t come home to do laundry, get meals cooked for you, etc. so you figure stuff out on your own. Your friends and family at home are still a text, call, skype, facebook message, etc. away. It’s the beauty of modern technology, you’re never really “apart” from people if you don’t want to be.
Our whole family is both excited and scared. It is a huge change for us. My husband and I will take our daughter to school then fly almost 8000 miles away where we work. And @50N40W Your father said just the right thing. I would love to be going where she is if I were her age. You are having a normal reaction.
Everybody goes through that. I cried on my first day and I cried at orientation but I guess it ok. Glad to be in college. You’ll be fine.