By Kaliyah Green
College fosters a lot of commitment, personal growth and self-discovery. Behind every assignment turned in at 11:59 p.m. and every cup of coffee consumed to survive a 9 a.m. lecture, there are students navigating a whirlwind of emotions; self-doubt, pressure and hope.
In college you learn about yourself and the things you do and don’t like. You meet new people and explore differences in mindsets and the way people think.
From the moment you apply, you’re placing yourself on the line. Your dreams, your past achievements and your goals for the future all go into that one application; half the time we students are filling that out alone.
However, doubts can quickly set in once you get there. Imposter syndrome, a behavioral issue that causes you to doubt your own skills and accomplishments, starts to seep into your dorm rooms and classrooms.
Asking yourself, “am I really supposed to be here?” becomes a daily thing. Many students have the pressure of being a first-generation college student or coming from a low-income family. Some may feel like their voice doesn’t matter in rooms where others seem more confident and established.
Sometimes it can feel like people back home — or your professors — are waiting to see you fail. Professors can be harsh with grading or not be understanding of your situations when you’re going through personal issues.
“College is definitely an emotional investment, especially here. We left our homes to come here and these classes are no joke,” sophomore Elishua Oviedo said. “You adjust to being here, but first coming is very hard because you’re nowhere near home.”
It isn’t just about lectures and GPAs. You have to fight to believe in yourself when everything and sometimes everyone makes you feel like you shouldn’t.
“If it’s looked at in the perspective of what it takes to meet the requirements of passing classes,” senior Nekaybaw Ross said. “College can become very draining both mentally and physically. Both of which can affect you as a person drastically.”
Students have to navigate complex social environments, develop lifelong friendships and encounter diverse perspectives that challenge their beliefs.
College is a space for students to learn to confront their fears, surpass all obstacles and develop resilience. College students are tasked with the responsibility of balancing their academic life with personal life or managing relationships with friends and sometimes significant others. This can be daunting for students, but it leads to a developed sense of emotional maturity.
So when people talk about the price of college, they should also talk about the emotional cost. The courage it takes to stay when it’s easier to give up and the power in saying, “I do deserve to be here,” because you do.
And having that belief? That’s the real degree.
