Transitioning from High School to College: My Experiences and Lessons

My journey from high school to college was marked by significant changes and challenges. This article will explore the transformation I experienced, including my academic journey, the newfound freedom, and the personal growth that came along with the transition.

Academic Adjustments and Insights

Upon entering college, I quickly noticed a stark difference in the academic environment compared to high school. In my high school years, I was a consistent performer, earning mostly As and one B, often seen as a personality issue with a particular teacher rather than a reflection of my genuine understanding of the material. The most significant issue I encountered was my habit of fidgeting after completing tests, which often left me with excess time on my hands.

One notable incident occurred in the third grade, where I was expelled from school after discreetly practicing a magic trick—a paper-tearing trick—that I had completed well before the other students. This event, along with the ensuing conflict, contributed to my expulsion. However, in college, the atmosphere was far more relaxed. Professors cared less about my attire, my personal quirks, or social interactions, focusing solely on the subject matter at hand.

The expectations and requirements were different. In high school, the focus was often on rote memorization and less on deep understanding and critical thinking. For example, even though I spent four years studying biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy, I realized that college-level biology demanded more depth and analytical thinking. Similarly, chemistry, which I took in high school, became a significantly more challenging subject with additional homework and lab work requiring critical thinking.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of College

Entering college, I was unprepared for the level of stress and emotional challenges I would face. I knew college would be tough but never anticipated wanting to end my life so intensely or needing therapy. These experiences were difficult, but I utilized various tools and resources to help me navigate through the difficulties. The emotional breakdowns I experienced were a sign of the immense pressure and the need for mental health support.

Challenges and New Discoveries

The academic workload in college was overwhelming. While I had taken a heavy load of science classes in high school, college offered more in-depth study, requiring critical thinking rather than just memorization. For instance, the Trigonometry class I took with my professor covered an entire semester's content, which was more rigorous than the five months I spent studying the same subject in high school.

Finance accounting in college was particularly challenging. I had not taken an accounting course in high school, and the subject matter was new and difficult to grasp. The professor was not very patient, which didn't help my understanding. Similarly, economics required a more detailed and critical analysis, unlike the basic course I had studied in high school.

Managing time effectively was another hurdle I faced. College demanded that I prioritize assignments and manage my schedule efficiently. The lack of extra credit opportunities meant that every assignment and exam was crucial to my grade. I eventually switched my major to human services and social work, where I had to complete three unpaid internships to gain practical experience and enhance my resume.

The shift from high school to college was not just an academic journey. It was an emotional and personal one, where I had to learn to advocate for myself, seek help proactively, and take responsibility for my education. This shift marked a significant growth in my self-awareness and resilience. College was a time of discovery, both academically and personally, with many lessons learned along the way.