<p>I just started my second year at a college in the Northeast and I'm already feeling trapped and lost. I think I need to take Leave of Absence, which is permitted, but I'm not sure how my parents would react to it. I also don't know what to do during my time away from college. I just know that I NEED to get away from here and that my mental health is suffering because I am staying. I am just not happy. I understand that just dropping out and doing nothing would not be a good idea...and that leaving might also be impractical and stupid. But I can't stay here and be depressed all the time. What do you guys think? Should I take this leave of absence? Do you guys see any other alternatives?</p>
<p>What is it that makes you feel distressed. Is it the school, or college in general? If it’s specific to the school, transferring is available to you. Thousands of students transfer every year, start looking into options if that would help you. </p>
<p>If you take the leave of absence, try to either take community college classes (you can take less classes and be less stressed) or work to save up money.</p>
<p>You should talk to parents, friends, and the university before deciding this on your own.</p>
<p>If you can decide what you would do during a leave of absence, and your 2nd year continues to be unhappy, and you speak to friends, family, and officials about your decision, you could go for it.</p>
<p>I think it’s just college in general. Last year, I was content but I couldn’t shake away the feeling of restlessness. I thought that having a bit of direction in my courses would prevent the restlessness from overwhelming me. I’m experiencing a lot of angst and I find everything that I do here boring and pointless (parties and classes included) and can find no motivation to work hard. I don’t want to make a hasty and irrational decision, but this week, I just wanted to walk away for a few days and do something that makes a difference. Sorry if this is rapidly becoming a personal issue.</p>
<p>You could look into volunteer organizations, take a semester off working for one?
You would meet people, change your routine, gain skills, help others.</p>
<p>I already do a lot of community service on campus, and I would to pursue volunteering further, but the problem is, I want to leave NOW. I just need to get away, and my need clearly shows that this more of a personal problem than anything else really. I’m not doing badly in my classes…and I have a lot of friends, but there’s just something that is not satisfying about my college experience. And I believe that what could satisfy me is not here, but somewhere out in the world. This conversation is turning into a very philosophical one very quickly</p>
<p>Sounds like the Peace Corps is calling your name</p>
<p>I’m being dead serious. You’ll fill that hole that feels like you need to make a difference, and they help you get back into school or get a job when you get back. </p>
<p>Does your college have a counseling center? Maybe you also need to explore what makes you feel unmotivated.</p>
<p>The Idealist website has lots of jobs and volunteer opportunities all over the world, dealing with a wide range of issues. Good luck!</p>
<p>OP</p>
<p>Here’s what I would say if you were my kid…</p>
<p>Sophmore slump is a real thing…
Please talk with your advisor, a trusted professor, your parents.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a break.</p>
<p>Your feet are not in concrete…you can go in any direction you choose–even diagonal! ;)</p>
<p>College is a journey not a destination and you will have a lifetime journey of exploring and working in your chosen field, or several fields over a lifetime.</p>
<p>Speak up.</p>