The Regret of Attending a College: Lessons Learned from My Experiences

Attending college is supposed to be an exciting and transformative experience, but for many, it can turn into a nightmare. personal regrets and experiences can offer valuable insights and cautionary tales for future students. In this article, I share my story of regret and the lessons learned from my experiences at a privately-owned college in Sarawak, as well as falling victim to online scams during my recovery from Leukemia.

Attending a College with Regret

My journey through college was overshadowed by negative experiences that warped my perceptions of the college experience. At a private college in Sarawak, I faced regular bullying and harassment from certain individuals, with the university administration turning a blind eye. This situation was particularly distressing during my third year, as it overshadowed all other aspects of my college life. As a result, I made a conscious decision to attend other universities, leading to some later negative consequences.

Engineering Program and College Choices

Initially, I was enrolled in the engineering program at my privately-owned college. However, the combination of incompetent lecturers, a general lack of integrity, and apathy from the counselors and staff led to my dropping out before the institution's eventual closure. The decision to leave was a smart one, as it avoided a potentially disastrous situation.

The Aftermath of Leukemia and Online Scams

During a nine-month hospital stay to combat Leukemia, I fell victim to a sophisticated online scam. A supposed online “girlfriend” claimed to be related to ex-Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and falsely portrayed herself as a multi-millionaire who was willing to buy me a Mercedes. This scam, described as 'highly believable', was a costly and distressing experience. Despite my recovery, the Australian college I attended did not prioritize my well-being by providing immediate support. Instead, they suggested transferring to Amsterdam, a location I was not willing to go to.

The Turning Point and Lessons Learned

Unfortunately, the college I initially wanted to attend was not to be, and I had to focus on my recovery and personal safety. It took over a decade for me to visit Amsterdam, and I did so not for the offered experiences, but for the sake of personal adventures like smoking weed and visiting red light district prostitutes. The experience was valuable, but the missed opportunity for a pivotal life experience is a regret I carry to this day.

Looking back, the lessons learned from these experiences are clear. One must choose their college wisely and prioritize personal safety over misguided gullibility. Always verify information, especially when it involves financial promises or exotic opportunities. Trust your instincts and seek support when needed, both from academic institutions and from trusted friends and family.

From now on, when online strangers offer to buy me a car, I will approach the situation with a healthy dose of skepticism. While a Tesla might be an exception, other offers are likely to be scams. This experience has taught me to stay vigilant and prioritize my well-being in the digital world.