Fear and Reality of Going to College Kasie's Korner

Imagine this scenario: You have been on summer vacation for about three months. Your surroundings are very familiar. Your eyes capture the same sights each day and the sounds and smells are also well-known and comfortable. You wake up when you are no longer sleepy. You go to sleep when you are tired. There is time for relaxation, enjoying your friends and doing whatever you want to do. Then quite suddenly, it’s time for a strict schedule. You have to wake up early, attend classes, finish homework and complete everything in an environment that is totally new and unfamiliar. Sound unsettling? This is the scenario for thousands of students starting college and it can be particularly stressful.

There are many things running through your head, including; What am I doing here? How can I leave the familiarity of my home to move into a dorm room the size of a small box? Additionally, you worry about sharing this box with a stranger. It seems so overwhelming and worrisome, doesn’t it?

Well, I have some important advice for all of you prospective college students ... CHILL OUT! College will be a fantastic experience, as long as you relax and enjoy the ride.

Moving to a new place can be intimidating. Living with a stranger can be frightening. However, here is my best advice: Make a few connections! Connect with other kids immediately. Research shows that kids who have friends and a teacher they can talk to at school are happier, more successful, and emotionally well-adjusted.

Here is another piece of advice: make your dorm room or living quarters your own personal haven. This is your “home away from home” so make sure it is comfortable for you. If there is a pillow, a picture or a poster from home that will make you feel more secure, bring it with you to college. You are never too old to surround yourself with a piece of your personal history. Having your own personal space will allow you to adjust more easily.

Finally, make a plan. Knowing that your family and close friends are far away is both liberating and daunting. Make time each week to visit friends or family from home. No, that does not necessarily mean a physical trip to your hometown. A phone call, an e-mail or a letter from friends or family each week makes the distance less intimidating. Keeping up with what is happening at home with those you love helps you maintain relationships and keep a connection to home.

*Kasie is a 17-year-old high school senior from the area. If you have any questions or comments, contact Kasie for her point of view at kasieskorner@marsusa.com.