<p>Wow, this is a great topic- thank you, tokenmom.</p>
<p>I’ve taken this past year off (a “gap year” as some call it) before going to college. I was the valedictorian of my high school class (snooty northeastern prep school to boot!). I thought I had my whole future planned out- while I didn’t get into some of the reaches I applied to, I got into some very good, solid schools where I knew I would get a great education. I went with my gut instinct and decided to go to a LAC in the south that had a unique, nurturing environment. After having been home-schooled earlier in high school due to chronic illness, it seemed like the perfect choice, despite it’s distance from home (10 hours). </p>
<p>…I only lasted one week. Technically only 6 days. I was a very non-confrontational, reserved, and somewhat shy individual (I say “was” because I have changed as a result of this experience) when I left for school. After being harassed by my roommate, who was clearly mentally imbalanced, and practically begging the school to take action, I decided to come home. I felt unsafe, was sleeping on the floor in someone else’s room (was even told by the RA not to go into my room alone and to keep all my valuables out of the room), and became as depressed as I’ve ever been- all in the matter of a few days. So, my parents came and got me and I went home. </p>
<p>So now here I am. I’ve taken this year to work- one of the best decisions of my life. I have gained lots of confidence and have become 10 times more assertive and self-assured - traits that I will definitely benefit from in the future. I have started taking 2 college courses this semester and will move on campus and begin full-time in the fall. The school is a local LAC where I know I will get a quality education, even if it isn’t the top school I got into last year. </p>
<p>Sorry if I’m rambling, but just thought that maybe, just maybe, my story could provide some of these anxious high school seniors with a little perspective. No matter how good your grades and scores are, no matter what caliber school you are accepted to, no matter how much you think you may have it all set and planned out in a perfect little box, things can all change. LIFE is much bigger than COLLEGE, and becoming a quality person is much more important than being a quality applicant. Sure, an Ivy league (or equivalent) degree looks impressive on a resume, but in the end what it comes down to is what YOU put into YOUR college experience. If you know you’re a hard worker and a good student, chances are you’re going to do great wherever you go, which will serve you well in your future endeavors. It’s all about what you put into it. These can be hard lessons to learn when you’re in this bubble of the college admissions process, believe me, I know, but they’re important lessons to learn. I also think that we shouldn’t all be so focused on what’s in the future- you have to learn to be happy where you are right now, not so focused on only being happy once you get into this school or that school or get this internship or that research position. </p>
<p>Enjoy the end of your senior year, and have faith that whatever you choose to do is the right decision, and you will find happiness and success in the end if you put energy and hard work into your college experience.</p>