It’s Never Too Early to Prepare for College

By Dreena Whitfield

College preparation can be a ball of emotions rolling inside of you.  There’s so much planning, studying, shopping (which is definitely a bad thing) and anxiety about entering this new chapter in your life. Be prepared for the many changes that will come as you transition from high school to college. There will be changes within your relationships:  boyfriends, friends (sad, but true), your family, and most importantly—you.   At first, this may be hard to accept, but remember that change is not a bad thing.

In high school, it’s difficult to “step away from the pack” or be an individual. High school is filled with so many groups, labels, and cliques.  At times, being different is looked down upon.  People make fun of those who are too—unique.  Everyone’s always striving to be a part of the “in crowd” or wishing they were a part of an “in crowd.”  It’s not easy to realize that sometimes those in the “in crowd” want to be viewed differently.  Being different is okay.  Going “against the grain” is okay.  There is no need to limit yourself within a social label or a group; do what makes you happy. College will be the best four years of your life, because of the new and different experiences that it offers.  Start preparing for that wonderful time by opening yourself up to thinking independently. 

While in high school, take healthy risks:  try different things, be open-minded, explore your interests, pursue new friendships. Hang out with different groups and join clubs you wouldn’t normally try to join; expand your network of friends and acquaintances.  How would you know if a pair of skinny jeans looks good on you without trying them on first? You wouldn’t. Using this same logic, how would you know if you liked something without trying it? How would you know if you could become friends with someone if you don’t speak to them?  Be adventurous and remember to be open-minded throughout your high school years, because college will provide new memories with different types of people.  You will make diverse friends, and you will become passionate about diverse topics.  You will have interests that you never knew you could have.  You’ll stand up for values, goals, and beliefs that will determine who you are.  The sooner you start to develop who you are, the sooner you will take advantage of all that college has to offer.  College will introduce you to people with different interests all pursuing the same goal….a higher education to become successful in life.