Special to "Mustangs Ahead," a former LRHS Mustang shares her experiences after high school.
Alivia Insixiengmay – Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Graduating high school was the most freeing, humbling, yet beautiful experience of my life.
When I graduated, the first thought that came to my mind was freedom. I was thrilled that I didn’t have to wake up at 6 a.m. anymore, and I was especially happy that I could finally get into college and experience adulthood.
While the experience was fun, I also met several challenges along the way. Instead of attending a university, I originally enrolled in Galen College of Nursing. For a very long time, nursing had been my ultimate path. But as time went on, I began to not enjoy it anymore.
That’s something else I learned when I graduated. In most cases, many students have no idea what they want to do with their lives. Many college students end up changing their major, taking a gap year, or even dropping out to pursue a different career instead. When I decided to transfer over to State College of Florida (SCF), I was terrified. Though, I was reassured by many people that it was completely normal to change your mind.
Being fresh out of high school, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing to not know how to pursue a future. Not everybody has it figured out; not everybody is sure of what they want. This was something that quickly assured me of my own doubts.
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As for the physical aspect of college, it has been much easier to wake up at later times for classes that I got to choose from. Because of my job, managing my schedule had been a relief. Being able to choose what times my classes took a lot of weight off my shoulders.
But mentally? It was a challenge. In the beginning, it was difficult to get used to the changes between high school and college rules. It’s completely different. While some college professors are labeled as easy going, it isn’t as simple as one would think.
Being in college means you are entirely responsible for your grades. Professors will not frequently remind you of missing assignments, and they will not question your attendance. It is entirely your responsibility to maintain decent grades and stay disciplined.
All in all, graduating high school and entering college has been full of learning, new experiences, and growth. While it can be difficult at times, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and the achievements I’ve accomplished since I’ve said goodbye to high school.
To all the seniors reading this—don’t put pressure on yourself, don’t panic, prioritize your mental and physical health, and practice discipline. You can still have fun and stay educated.