The Best Is Yet to Come: Moving On From College Setbacks

The college years are a time of change and exploration—a crucible for identity formation. After months of excitement and anticipation, many expected freshman daydream about meeting new friends, studying in challenging classes, and joining a string of organizations. But despite the giddy fantasy of college success, high expectations can often evaporate with disappointments, failures, or feelings of loneliness. It's natural to wonder, when the difficulties start rolling in, is this everything I bargained for?

I know that feeling. When I moved off to college, I thought I had everything planned out, and I was ready for a new adventure. Little did I know that what lay ahead of me would be much more overwhelming than anything I could have ever anticipated. Everywhere I looked I saw generally excited freshmen, ready and energized to take on college like a caged beast finally released in the wild. For a while, I was inspired too. Joining an array of clubs and organizations was a great way to meet similarly minded people and explore my newfound freedom. But as time dragged on, nothing felt secure. My courses began piling up and I started to doubt myself. I suddenly felt unable to keep up with everyone else, like I was stuck in a constant cycle of pressure and stress with no way out. I was drowning in my own fears and insecurities, and I was too embarrassed to reach out for help.

It's not uncommon to feel discouraged during the college transition. The sudden shift in academic requirements, responsibility and friendships can be overwhelming and difficult to adjust to. The key is to trust the process and understand that setbacks are a part of the college experience. There will be moments of difficulty and hardship, but these difficulties can ultimately make you a stronger, more capable individual.

If you’re struggling to gain some perspective, try to remember that school isn’t just a place to hit books and take tests. Though it can be easy to get consumed by studies, there are still opportunities for adventure. Take the risks, break out of the orthodox scientific world, and time to time allow yourself to explore other disciplines and activities. Without taking risks, even if they don't always work out, you won't grow.

When things feel especially uncertain, self-care is especially important—regardless of whether it’s physical, mental, or spiritual. Taking time for yourself and nourishing your body, mind, and soul helps create a strong foundation from which to explore the world around you. Consider starting a weekly yoga class, a book club, or applying to do labs with a professor. Make sure to touch back with family and friends, those who will love and support you no matter the outcome.

One last and most important piece of advice is to learn to savor uncertainty. Life simply doesn’t always turn out as expected. Embrace unexpected turns as learning opportunities, and try not to feel overwhelmed by adversity. Instead look into, listen, and take all the lessons you can. Keep hope alive, stay flexible, and be open to the possibilities.

The high school years may seem like all fun and parties, but those times often only set up the unique stage of college life. You'll realize soon enough that the college experience has its own good times, accompanied by struggles and The best is yet to come. Don't let doubt stop you from going after the successes you crave. Say goodbye to what held you back, strap yourself in and have faith that a better future awaits you.

Believe in yourself, and firmly repeat the mantra "I'm ready to make the leap". Moving off to college is a momentous occasion, so use it as an opportunity for reinvention and stand boldly as the person you want to be. Ride the waves of uncertainty with gusto, and never underestimate what you can learn along the way.