Before starting college, there can be a lot of pressure and anxiety about what's to come on campus. Even after submitting college applications, the overwhelming feeling and worrying can linger and become quite miserable. When I experienced the looming thoughts of whether or not I was doing things "right, "this is what I wish I knew:
You don't need to feel 100% confident in your major.
Despite what I was by my family, friends, and teachers, I felt like I couldn't go into college undecided. I had done my research while applying to schools and came up with a general idea of what I wanted to do, but I thought I needed to have my whole college and post-college life planned out. It took me actually existing in the track I chose to realize that some tweaks needed to be made. I felt disappointed in myself for not figuring out what I wanted sooner, but the weight of being unhappy quickly lifted and everything felt right again. All in all, I wish I would've placed a healthier amount of pressure on myself to ensure I had a graduation place while still enjoying the experience of exploring and learning new things.
Make sure you like your advisor.
I was told that, generally speaking, you have to have your major, minor and certificates decided by the end of your sophomore year in order to graduate in four years. I figured out my major shortly before then, but it took until the absolute last second for me to declare a minor because I wasn't being provided the guidance I asked for when I explained to my advisor that I didn't know what direction I wanted to take. I finally got the help I wanted after talking to an advisor at the Harris Student Support Center within the Scripps College of Communication and I wish I had booked that appointment sooner. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you and your advisor are not a well-matched pair because it really can only help you in the long run.
Don't compare yourself to others.
It's easy to look at what others are doing and feel like you're less than because of your grades, the classes you chose to take or the internships you did or didn't get. It's kind of cliche, but everyone is different and has to do things their own way in order to reach their goals. Even people with the exact same majors and minors will still do things differently. Sure, you might take similar classes to your peers, but not everyone learns tin he same way. Even if you want to accomplish similar things, everyone naturally does things in the best way for them. Don't give yourself more things to worry about unnecessarily and trust that you will get to where you're meant to be. Trust your intuition and do what makes you the happiest; you will be fine.
Prioritize your happiness.
If it isn't clear yet, I wish someone had told me how important it is to stop people-pleasing and do what would make me the best version of myself, inside and outside of academics. The moment I let go of what other people might think about my choices, life became a lot brighter. I finally understood what people meant by having healthy stress.
Additionally, having high standards for the people you surround yourself with is okay. Don't think twice about toxic people because those who are meant to be in your life will show you what healthy relationships are supposed to be like and make you feel appreciated.
Tate Raub is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Tate know by tweeting her @tatertot1310.
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