From High School to College: Transition to Adulthood and Independence

Transitioning from high school to college marks a significant milestone in one's

life. Leaving high school and starting college is an exciting and challenging experience -
-- it’s like entering a new world. It's a time when we begin to take more control of our
lives and make decisions that will shape our futures. The transition to college is a
journey that can be both overwhelming and rewarding. For me, it was a significant
turning point in my life that marked my transition from adolescence to adulthood.
When I started college, I was excited about the newfound independence and
freedom that came with it. However, the reality of college life soon hit me. I found myself
struggling to adapt to the new environment. High school was a comfortable
environment, with familiar faces and a structured routine. According to Dr. Frances
Jensen, a neuroscientist, --- the adolescent brain is still developing, and learning new
things can be a bit harder than it is for older individuals. It's important to keep an open
mind and be willing to embrace change. In college, everything was new, from the
people I met to the classes I took. As I learned to navigate my new surroundings, I
began to appreciate the independence that came with it. I had to learn how to manage
my time, balance my academics and social life, and take responsibility for my decisions.
Another challenge I faced was time management. In high school, my day was
structured from start to finish, with little room for flexibility. In college, I had to balance
my academic work, extracurricular activities, and social and personal life. --- everything.
It's easy to fall into the trap of procrastination when you have more free time, but it's
important to be disciplined and manage your time wisely. I learned how to prioritize my
tasks and set achievable goals.
As a result, the transition to college also allowed me to develop a sense of
responsibility. In high school, there was always someone to guide me, whether it was a
teacher or a parent. In college, I had to take responsibility for my own success.
According to Dr. Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist and author of The Defining Decade:
Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now, --- “In your
twenties, you’re becoming the person that you’re going to be, and so you really need to
make deliberate choices.” This quote applies to the transition to college because we
have to make conscious decisions about our goals and aspirations. Whether it’s
choosing a major or taking on leadership roles in clubs, we have to be proactive in
pursuing our interests, dreams, and passions.
In conclusion, the transition from high school to college is a crucial time in a
young adult's life. It’s a journey of growth and self-discovery. It was a time of challenges,
but also a time of opportunities. It is a time when you need to learn to balance your
independence with your responsibilities. It’s important to keep an open mind, manage
your time wisely, and take responsibility for your success. The experience can be
daunting, but it’s an opportunity for personal growth and development. As author and
entrepreneur Jim Rohn said, “The major key to your better future is you.” --- The
transition to college is an opportunity to become the best version of ourselves and take
ownership and create our future, but as we embark on this journey --- let’s also enjoy
and make the most out of our college life.
References:
• Share An Online Entry “The Transition to Adulthood.” (n.d.).
https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/13736#:~:text=The%20transition%20to%20adulthood
%20is,their%20emotional%20and%20functional%20independence
• Secrets of the Teenage Brain: A Conversation with Frances E. Jensen. (2021, June
29). ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/secrets-of-the-teenage-brain-a-
conversation-with-frances-e.-jensen
• The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: Summary, Notes, and Lessons. (n.d.). In Nat
Eliason. https://www.nateliason.com/notes/defining-decade-meg-jay