Making College A More Peaceful Time

During the college life students have to deal with different types of obstacles. In the article, “College Pressures” William Zinsser focuses on the pressure faced by the college students. He talks about how the students are dealing with economic pressure, parental pressure, peer pressure, and self-induced pressure. College students are worried about getting high paid jobs and being rich instead of relaxing and enjoying now. Zinsser claims that students are worried about their future by using pathos.

Coming to college as an adult, we have many expectations and preconceptions of what college will or will not be. The expectations we have can influence our college life for the better or the worse. My experience since starting college has been an interesting one. People have misconceptions about college because they do not know what to expect. After doing some research, I have concluded that there are three major factors that are often misunderstood about college life. The first is the financial aspect of college. Second, is the relationship between the professors and students. Third is time management. These three factors play an important role in why people are afraid to go down the path to college.

According to Lupien, McEwan, Gunnar, and Heim (2009), going off to college involves significant adjustments to their daily routines; sleeping and eating habits, time-management skills, and stress levels will be altered in one way or another. First-year students have to adjust to the new school environment, different social settings, and new schedules, all without the help and guidance from their parents, who have been there for them for eighteen years. Over 30% of college freshman report that they feel overwhelmed (Klainberg, Ewing, & Ryan, 2010), where some students even opt to work as they juggle their class and work schedules. Some students work at a job or study harder than others, but they are all trying to get degrees so maybe one day they will have meaningful and significant lives. It is a constant struggle for everyone who is trying desperately to make him or herself into a success. And every college student wants to be involved in society in a positive manner, allowing contribution of their ideals and values to others.

Another reason why students are not successful in college is that of stress. Relationships, family issues and cost of tuition are stress-related factors that are dealt with a college student. The America Institute of the street website says, “a 2008 mental health study by the Associated Press and mtvU eight in 10 college students say they have experienced stress in their daily lives over the past three months” (Stress in College Students p. 1). The college that I

College pressures dominate our lives. They begin to levitate around us and slowly derail our lives. William Zinsser elaborates about the college pressures that modern generations are facing. He reveals multiple commonalities that the typical college student encounters on a daily basis. Zinsser states, “They want a map-right now-that they can follow unswervingly to career security, financial security, social security, and presumably, a prepaid grave” (12). He is spot on, the pressures demand my attention and won’t take no for an answer. So far I’ve gone head to head with these pressures every day since I started my freshman year in college. For the time that I’ve been here, my mind is overwhelmed and distraught with the amount of stress that gets piled on top of me every single day. I drown in these unrealistic expectations written in those faulty suggestion bars about how to be successful in college and college 101 tips. College pressures surround me like a dull gray cloud. It showers me with expectations and unfinished checklists. College itself is similar to carpooling to hell and back, but with no actual guarantee with a ride back.

“In fall 2016, some 20.5 million students are expected to attend American colleges and universities, constituting an increase of about 5.2 million since fall 2000” (National Center for Education Statistics). That number seems to be rising each and ever year, and it almost seems as students feel like they have to go to college directly after high school. Maybe it is because they feel that they have to fit in, even if college is not for them. Although some students attend college for academics, sports, and other reasons, some students attend college for no apparent reason; with that in mind, students should take into consideration the time and money that is put into going to college.

The transition from high school to college is a dynamic time in one’s life that parallels the change from childhood to adulthood. Both of these changes are dramatic and, as a result, feelings are difficult to put down into words. A messy combination of emotions fills the heart, surfacing in strange ways. Confident high school seniors go right back to the bottom of the chain when entering college as freshmen. These students start all over, just like entering grade school or high school for the first time. The move up from high school to college signals the switch from dependence to self-sufficiency. From a personal point of view, going through the experience of graduating high school and transferring to a residential college campus at STLCOP, made me realize I was no longer a kid and capable of making my own decisions.

As adolescents begin their senior year, the topic of college often runs without hindrance, often causing extreme stress. As the monetary value, as well as the time spent, begins to accumulate in their minds, students often find themselves bound at the wrists figuring out a way to balance as well as afford college living. In many cases, the upcoming graduates are unsure about their career path, almost enhancing their stress in choosing a school that would cater to their needs. It is almost then they begin to ponder whether or not University/college life is for them, which is could be an extremely advantageous shot in a, for example, high achieving family. Whilst college does allow for a plethora of doors to be opened, the lack of time, effort, and money can hinder one 's ability to properly choose a university. Though school can help with the stepping stones of life, they do not entirely ensure a proper future, therefore many may opt out of school; however, with the correct actions, they may turn out extremely successful, which may not have even happened without the release of the burden of school.

Society today is often very pressuring towards young adults when it comes to attending college. Maybe it’s because it is the most appropriate idea for people. College provides the average human with a higher satisfaction of life due to the experience and the positives outcomes than that of someone who chooses not to go to college. Although college results in the possibility of debt afterwards, it is still worth the journey.

Many high school students succeed with a little leniency through their four years. The transfer from high school to college becomes overwhelming and a struggle for some. For students do not comprehend the importance of changing more than their location during the transition. A student must be psychologically, physically, and emotionally mature to pursue college and not venture into a point of no return. Dropping out of college makes the outlook of the conversion difficult to acquire. Individuals should take their time on deciding which college and/or university is the best match for them. There are various reasons that cause persons not to prosper. Issues that individuals may come upon might leave a lifelong scar. Matters such as these

College is a new and exciting time in a student’s life. Students are finally able to live by their own rules, follow their passions, and discover who they are. College is the beginning of the end. An end to relying on your parents, an end to schooling, as well as an end to life as a child. Many students see college as a new world for them to explore. However, college can also cause extreme amounts of stress and depression. I know from personal experience, that the anxiety from the financial issues alone can be overwhelming. Students are required to pay for room and board, food, tuition, books and daily expenses such as gas, toothpaste, and school supplies. Though there are many programs and scholarships available for students, finances are usually very tight for three reasons.

College fees are rising, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to finance higher education. States across the board are increasing tuition to help pay for operating costs. Do not fret, though, because with diligence and sacrifice, and a lot of leg work, paying for college should not be a barrier to your education. Federal Aid The first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ). The application has federal, state, and possible college specific deadlines. You can inquire about deadlines here. There are two types of loans available in addition to things like federal Pell grants. These loans are subsidized by the government, so you won 't find the same difficulties as you would applying for a normal loan. Also, interest rates are lower. Subsidized Stafford loan - A loan for which the government pays the interest while you are in school, during grace periods, and during any deferment periods. Unsubsidized Stafford loan - A loan for which you are responsible for paying all the interest that accrues from the date of the first disbursement until the loan is paid in full. If you are not a US citizen or eligible noncitizen, you cannot receive federal student aid. But there are other options that can help pay for your schooling. State Grants Individual states also offer money for education. States have a vested interest in educating its residents. Grants do not necessarily have to be paid back, but they may have a service agreement attached.

The stereotypical American college student goes out partying all the time and stays up all night finishing an assignment or studying for a test. This stereotype may be accurate, but it is detrimental to our higher education culture. Hearing kids around me say “I’m so stressed for college. I’m never going to get any sleep when I go,” is heartbreaking. The pursuit of knowledge is a long and tiring journey, but it would be much more enjoyable if it didn’t come with a side of extreme stress and constantly-lowering mental health.

With an increased demand for skilled labors, many students nowadays find themselves needing to complete some form of higher education at college to ensure their success in the workplace and their future career goals. Although freshmen students often enter college with high expectations and ambitions, many eventually drop out of college. Why does that happen? In an ever-changing and more competitive environment, the demanding expectations on college students now soar at unprecedented heights, creating stressful and unpleasant experiences for many of them as they try to keep up with all the burdens inflicted upon them. In their writings, Dr. Christine B. Whelan, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Alan Schwartz, and Nisha Ramachandran explore and illustrate some of the stress-creating challenges that freshmen struggle with today. Even though many factors contribute to the huge list of problems for first-year students, many of the problems that create stress for college freshmen fall under the categories of academic factors, (what adverb to add) teachers, and personal-life conflicts.

Financially college can cause debt but there are many alternatives to that. Colleges can have provided scholarships. There are a variety of loans and there is also an old fashion method but works just as well, saving. “Generally, scholarships and fellowships are reserved for students with special qualifications, such as