Why University Life Can Be a True Test of Resilience: Insights from a Struggling Student
As someone who has navigated the often treacherous waters of university life, I can confidently say that transitioning from high school to college is indeed a significant challenge. My own experience as a student during the pandemic has provided me with invaluable insights into the difficulties one might face in their academic journey.
Online Education and its Nightmarish Nature
My freshman year coincided with the height of the pandemic, and online education was nothing short of a nightmare for me. As someone entering a technical field with no prior experience, the transition to online learning in a subject that demands hands-on skills was exceptionally daunting. The combination of poor faculty support and an emotionally and pedagogically barren virtual environment made the experience excruciating.
To compound matters, examinations were conducted in an offline format, creating additional stress and anxiety. This mix of challenging coursework and unexpected testing formats made my first semesters a continuous source of frustration and disappointment.
Turning Points and Personal Growth
One of the most significant turning points in my journey came in the form of my semester results. I had once been a top student, but after a series of failures in crucial exams, I found myself redefining my place not just academically, but social and emotionally as well. Admitting defeat and questioning my abilities, I felt like I had opened a window to a completely different and rather disappointing aspect of life. However, with persistence and diligent efforts, I managed to clear my backlogs the following semester and rose to the third position in my class.
The Journey of Academic and Personal Growth
Exams remain a significant source of frustration throughout one's college years. Late-night study sessions and frenzied preparation routines can be demoralizing, and the constant pressure to perform can take a toll on mental health. Nightouts, once seen as a source of social bonding, can often leave students feeling disconnected and isolated. Assignments, while a necessary part of the learning process, can sometimes feel like pointless busywork, adding to the general sense of dissatisfaction.
The academic environment often breeds competition, and students who are not placed in their desired job often face criticism from all sides. This conflicting pressure can be particularly challenging for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, who may feel that they have no other choice but to pursue opportunities that may not align with their true passions.
Social and Emotional Struggles
College is a time to build friendships and forge new connections, but it is also a time when relationships can be tested. Acquaintances from high school may not always remain as close friends, and personal insecurities can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Students must learn to navigate these social landscapes, often falling and rising again, much like a baby learning to walk for the first time.
Opportunities and Financial Constraints
In India, where opportunities may be limited due to the vast population, students often feel immense pressure to make the right career choices early on. The opportunity cost of switching fields later in life may be too high, and many are compelled to follow whatever path provides financial stability. This pressure can weigh heavily on students, especially those from financially strained backgrounds who must make difficult decisions that may not align with their true desires.
The Brighter Side of College Life
While the challenges of university life are real and can be quite daunting, it is important to recognize that there is a rewarding and enjoyable aspect to this journey as well. Days of laughter, fun, and unforgettable experiences should not be overshadowed by the negative phases. College life is a mosaic of experiences, and though it can be overwhelming, it is ultimately a phase of growth and learning that prepares students for the real world.
Note: Don't misunderstand the college life as a horror movie; it has its fun and rewarding parts too. I have highlighted the negative aspects of the student life to provide a well-rounded perspective, but it is important to remember that every experience has its value in shaping us into better individuals.