Mental Health From High School to College
By Ally Kennedy
Transitioning from high school to college is a highly daunting task. Many are excited about the newfound freedom that they have been longing for. In contrast, others get nervous about all the responsibility. In high school, one does not have to be positive about what they want to do with their life. The classes students take are not because they are pursuing a specific career it is so they can receive their diploma. Upon entering college, freshman are expected to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives. The classes that students take go towards the degree they wish to pursue.
Picking a major can be difficult. While making this life-altering choice, Taylor Smiddy. a first-year student, explained how she “over-thought it a lot” and “still do[es).” That is what it is like for many students. There are so many options to choose from that it can become over-whelming. It is not a terrible thing to have different options, either, though. Limiting options would be just as overwhelming. Beyond the first year, students struggle to discover what they want to do in college. Even though the issues go further than freshman, everything can initially it differs from college. In college, students must seem stressful for students.
Leaving home can be difficult for new students as well. Although moving away from home is a part of lite, many can struggle with it.
The transition can be strange because they can go from living with family to being put in a small room with a stranger. In every home, people do things a specific way, which can be challenging for some students to adjust to when arriving at a dorm. Some people are clean, while others are messy. Some people stay up late, while others go to bed early. When moving in, there is a fear of the unknown. Everyone wants to have a good relationship with their roommate and feel at home in the dorms. Before college begins, when students get paired together, the email of both students can be found on the housing information. This allows roommates to be in contact prior to school starting to get to know one another, and when the school year starts, they will have one another in case of an emergency.
Being at college brings on more duties. While high school students can be responsible, it differs from college. In college, students must always be on top of their schoolwork. Teachers may not accept work, regardless of the excuse. Some students even have jobs. Learning how to balance all that while trying to have a social life is challenging. While many exciting events encourage socialization, sometimes it can be difficult to attend them, especially for students with other obligations. Taking time to socialize is essential because it makes for an easier transition when there are people around.
The University of the Cumberlands offers free therapy for struggling students. There is an option to make an appointment, along with certain days when walk-ins are welcome. The professionals can help. Although some students fear seeking help. there is nothing wrong with attending therapy sessions. Everyone needs help at some point, and taking this step is no different. Although this transition is hard, keeping up with mental health is crucial.
