Let's Talk About Adulting
By Kaitlyn Ender
Let's Talk About... Education & College
For many emerging adults, college is the next step after high school. While not all emerging adults pursue higher education, college if often an important next step towards achieving independence and kickstarting a career. It should be acknowledged that a person does not have to have a college education to be successful; many individuals achieve great success with only a high school diploma. However, it is becoming more common to see emerging adults pursue additional education. For those that do go to college, it can have a life altering impact on their personal development and entry into adulthood.
Iris, a 20-year-old majoring in human services...
I have been taking college level classes since 2017, so when I was about 16 or so. I knew I always wanted to do something to help people, rather that be in politics or as a therapist. Right now, i’m majoring in human services at LCC. Studies in high school was never my strong point, given all the stress I was dealing with at the time. I find college much easier to manage, and I’m actually taking classes I’m passionate about. I’m excited to graduate and get a job where I can actually use my passion to help others. My exact job title is still TBD, but I’m excited to see what I can find.
Dahlia, a 20-year-old English major working at her college’s writing center…
I am in college! Third year, majoring in English with a focus in creative writing with film and professional writing classes. I went to college mostly because my parents told me too. Well, and because I did want to go. There was never an option for me to not go though. College was harder for me my first year; I struggled with depression for a long time as I was very homesick and was quite literally stranded there. Oh how times have changed! Now I love being able to stay up at school and look forward to coming for a stay in the summer. I started to have fun in sophomore year; literally right before shut down happened. Coming back after Covid and with a boyfriend has been an adjustment. Living with your friends sometimes isn’t always peachy because sometimes you’re lonely and kind of left out, which I didn’t expect as much. Also balancing my friends and boyfriend is something I’m also managing because while I said I’d never be that girl who ditches her friends for her boyfriend... well... I’ve learned a lot about money and how to better save it too. I’ve also learned a lot about relationships- some guys are just NO good at all and red flags should be noticed. Ultimately, I’ve also learned that I’m a cleaner person than I thought which I have my parents to thank for that.
Cosmo, an 18-year-old incoming college student and creator of art and music…
I have worked hard throughout my school years and have gotten myself into college with a full ride. I’m very proud of myself and what I have accomplished throughout my school experience. I will continue to work hard better my education so I can live a very comfortable life doing something that pays me well and I enjoy.
Violet, a 17-year-old that loves drawing and is planning to attend community college...
I’m a senior in high school, and I’m going to start my college career off slow by taking classes at OCC. My life has changed so much over the past few months, that I can’t make myself commit to a four year university. I think it’s best if I start off slow, and then see what career I truly want to pursue. The idea of going to a big college has always sounded kind of appealing to me, but it’s not right for me right now, and I’m completely okay with it.
Sunflower, a 20-year-old workout enthusiast majoring in biochemistry…
I'm a junior studying Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Biotechnology! I love college, it has honestly exceeded my expectations and I have grown SO much over my college experience thus far. I have really expanded my skills and knowledge overall, and also have really learned how to effectively communicate with "higher up" people like hiring managers, professors, etc. which has been great practice for a future career. I've been able to experience the fun of college on my own terms, without societal or friend pressures which has been wonderful, too. I was so worried I'd be pressured to party and drink, and I have never been, which was super refreshing! Classes overall have been very tough, especially for my major, but I think it will all be so worth it in the end.
Wisteria, an 18-year-old interested in painting and the outdoors…
I almost wasted money on college classes that I didn’t want to take because I have no idea what I want to do, but I didn’t do it. I’ve been thinking about pursuing a career in tattooing. I have the supplies and I want to try it out and practice.
Wisteria, I totally get where you're coming from. When I started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. There were many moments where I felt like the classes I was taking weren't really benefitting me as much as I hoped. I probably wouldn't have even finished my degree if it weren't for my scholarships; college is way way too expensive. I'm glad you're following your heart and looking to pursue options that make more sense for you, I am sure you'll be sucessuful!
Daffodil, a 22-year-old aspiring teacher and sports lover…
I am currently in my 4th year at GVSU. My parents, even though we didn’t necessarily have the money, had told me ever since I was little that I would go to college. Which I am so grateful for because they never made me stress about how I would make that happen. They helped me make that happen. Overall, college has been so busy. Sometimes I reflect and see all the people partying and still being kids and having fun every night and that’s not what it looked like for me. Sometimes I wonder if I’m missing out, but it’s just not my scene and I’m too busy to do a ton of extra stuff anyway.
Daffodil, I seriously relate to this so much! I really didn't party or go out in college. It wasn't my scene and I was very focused on doing well so I could keep my scholarships. I truly think that people who party a ton end up suffering in other areas, whether that be academically or personally. You have to be really good at balance if you're gonna party while being a full-time student. I don't really think we are missing out, especially because we're both going to walk away with degrees!
For many people, myself included, there's no time to waste on partying and blowing off school. Sometimes you just gotta ignore the FOMO and remember that not everyone enjoys the same things, and those college parties are not half as fun as they seem. From what I see and hear, it's mostly drunk guys hitting on girls, people throwing up and crying, and music playing so loud it gives you a headache.
My advice to anyone who feels left out because they're choosing not to party is this: your college experience doesn't have to look like the "typical" one you see in the movies. You are allowed to just have a few friends and do your work. Maybe you enjoy staying in watching Netflix on the weekends. That's okay! Maybe you like having small get togethers with friends or going for coffee or study dates. That's great too! Think of it like this: how can you be "missing out" if you're just doing what you like to do?
Don't give in to peer pressure, it will always hurt you in the end. Do whatever allows you to be truly happy and get through school successfully. You're there for a reason, so don't lose sight of that!
Snowdrop, a 22-year-old aspiring wildland firefighter and lover of the outdoors…
I have a high school diploma and one year college. I hate school with a passion. Personal opinion, but I think it teaches us all bullshit and nothing to deal with in the real world. Have to pay thousands of dollars to take an art class when I'm studying engineering. That’s just BS to me. School is all about taking someone's money and throwing them out with no experience in life. High schools need to push trade schools more. Kids can go to a school that is all hands on, be there for 8 months. They come out with a job making 75,000 a year guaranteed. I'm in a trade school that getting paid for me. When I get out, I can apply for jobs starting pay 50,000. No debt, and many job opportunities. Lesson I learned is I wish I started sooner.
Snowdrop, you make some really valid points here about the value of college! I agree with you, the universities are set up to make money and often times their requirements are not the most reasonable.
As someone who did go to college for four years, I will say this: there are opportunities to get real world experience if you look for them. Maybe this isn't true for all schools, but at UofM, there were many opportunities to get hands-on experience through classes, internships, or jobs.
While college was super beneficial for me, I know it isn't for everyone. I also realize that it is not accessible for everyone. I was able to receive a full-ride scholarship, which is the only reason I got to go. Before getting the scholarship, my plan was to go to community college for a few years to complete my basic classes, and then transfer to a university. I think this is a good option for saving money on a college education. Trade school is another great option, and I agree with you that it should be advertised more to high schoolers.
Overall, I think that it's important to make high schoolers aware of all of their options so that they can make informed decisions about higher education and what will be best for them.
My perspective...
Ever since middle school, I've known I wanted to pursue higher education. I wasn't exactly sure where I would go, but I always felt like I had to attend college in order to get a good job and support myself.
When I got to high school, I worked extra hard. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get A's, partly because I knew it would be good for college, but also because I felt so accomplished when I aced my classes. During my senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to apply to the University of Michigan. I remember my pediatrician telling me to go there when I was thinking about being a doctor like him.
I had never visited the campus, or even been to Ann Arbor. I applied because it was the "best" school in the state and I was told I was eligible for a full ride academic scholarship if I got in. When I checked my phone during Christmas break in the Meijer parking lot and saw the word "accepted" flash across my screen, I had no idea how much my life was about to change.
When I started college, I was so scared. I had never lived in a bigger city like Ann Arbor before, and I was really lonely and homesick for my family. During the first week of my freshman year, I almost dropped out. I started having panic attacks and I truly didn't know if I could do it. My nana went with me to see a crisis counselor on campus and that really helped me. I don't even remember what the counselor told me, but I ended up calming down and continuing school. My nana drove me to classes and back home the rest of that week, which was an hour and a half drive one way. Eventually, I got more comfortable and I was able to stay during the week for classes, but I don't think I would've got to that point without my nana helping me ease into it (she is the best!)
My first year was rough. I didn't have many friends, my relationship from high school was rocky, and I felt like I didn't belong. I did really well academically, but I struggled a lot personally. However, in the years following, things changed. I moved to a single dorm room and started making friends. I broke up with my high school boyfriend and found happiness within myself. I joined a program called the Blavin Scholars and was able to receive mentorship and additional support.
Once I truly settled in to college life and being in Ann Arbor, I loved it. I started enjoying my classes more and I felt like I finally did belong. I never really partied and I didn't make a ton of friends, but I was content with the friends I did have and was able to have fun doing other things, like going out for lunch with classmates, hanging out at coffee shops or the local arcade, and having my family come and visit me on the weekends. I also learned to love doing things by myself. My college experience wasn't anything like the stereotypical version that's shown in movies, but I am perfectly fine with that.
While college can be really fun, it can also be really difficult. People don't talk enough about the challenges that come with being a college student. For one, the work can be hard! It varies from school to school and across different disciplines, but a lot of effort and time is required to understand the material. Unlike high school, most of the learning in college is self-taught. You need a lot of motivation to be able to read all of the books that are assigned. Sure, you learn shortcuts over time, like which books you can get away with skimming or skipping altogether, but every class is different and it takes time to figure them out. Repeat this cycle 8 times within four years and you'll find yourself burnt out and exhausted. This can be even more difficult for students that are also working part or full time.
It can also be challenging to find resources and understand what is expected of you. I am a first generation college student, so I had no clue how to navigate the various challenges that came up for me. Thankfully, I was able to find helpful mentors and faculty that could guide me during my sophomore year and onward, but I struggled a lot as a freshman.
Despite the various challenges I faced in college, I would do it all over again. I learned an endless amount about myself and I grew up in the process. I have never had so much faith in my ability to be successful in life. I gained a ton of confidence by taking on leadership roles, challenging myself to go out of my comfort zone, and practicing independence.
I just graduated with my bachelors degree in Psychology and Writing. This fall, I will be attending the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan to pursue my master's in social work. My ultimate goal in life is to advocate for children using my unique personal experiences and the knowledge I've gained throughout my education. I am so excited to keep learning and get one step closer to the career of my dreams.