A College Student’s Reflection: Finding myself

Introduction

When I first arrived at college, I carried with me a suitcase full of expectations, fears, and excitement. Like many students, I thought I knew who I was and where I was headed. But the past two years have taught me that college is less about having answers and more about learning how to ask the right questions. Through academic challenges, personal growth, and new relationships, I have discovered that self-awareness, adaptability, and purpose are more valuable than any grade or credential.

This reflective essay explores how my college experience has reshaped my values, expanded my thinking, and prepared me for a more intentional life.

Academic Transformation

One of the most transformative aspects of college has been how it challenged the way I think and learn. Coming from a high school where memorization and standardized testing were the norm, I initially struggled with the open-ended nature of college assignments. I remember feeling completely lost in my first philosophy course when my professor asked us not for the "right answer," but for our interpretation. At first, I doubted my voice and hesitated to contribute. Over time, though, I learned that critical thinking is not about being correct but about being curious, rigorous, and thoughtful.

Courses like sociology, ethics, and literature exposed me to different worldviews and pushed me to confront my own assumptions. I began questioning how I formed my opinions, how power structures shape narratives, and how to distinguish between opinion and informed argument. My professors didn't just teach me content; they taught me how to approach complexity with humility. I now value the process of learning as much as the outcome, and that mindset has made me a more engaged, analytical, and open-minded person.

Personal Growth

Outside the classroom, college has been a mirror that reflects both my strengths and my insecurities. One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with self-doubt and impostor syndrome, especially during my first year. Surrounded by high-achieving peers, I often questioned whether I belonged or whether I was "good enough." There were times when I considered switching majors or even dropping a class out of fear of failure. But with the support of academic advisors, mentors, and friends, I gradually learned how to reframe failure as feedback, not defeat.

Joining student organizations and volunteering also helped me step out of my comfort zone. As a member of the campus mental health club, I had the opportunity to lead discussions on wellness and resilience. Speaking openly about anxiety and stress helped me realize that many students shared the same struggles I thought I faced alone. These experiences taught me that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength that fosters connection and growth.

Relationships and Community

College has also reshaped how I build and value relationships. I have met people from diverse backgrounds — culturally, religiously, and ideologically — and each conversation has been a learning experience. Living with roommates taught me patience, compromise, and the importance of communication. Working on group projects reminded me that collaboration is about listening as much as leading. Late-night talks in the dorms, heated debates in class, and moments of shared laughter have become as important to my education as lectures and textbooks.

One of the most influential relationships I formed was with my mentor, a professor in the political science department. Through her guidance, I explored research opportunities and gained confidence in my writing and analytical skills. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself, and she remains a model of intellectual integrity and compassion. These connections have shown me that education is not a solo journey but a communal one, where we grow through shared experience and mutual support.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my college journey so far, I am struck by how much I have changed — and how much I still want to grow. I no longer see success as a straight line or a fixed destination. Instead, I understand it as a process of becoming: becoming more thoughtful, more grounded, and more committed to contributing to something greater than myself.

I am currently pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in public policy. My long-term goal is to work in mental health advocacy, particularly in underserved communities. This vision was shaped not only by my academic interests, but also by personal experiences and conversations that helped me see how deeply mental health is connected to justice, education, and equity. I want to be part of the movement that reduces stigma and expands access to care — and college has given me the tools, insight, and confidence to pursue that mission.

Conclusion

College has been more than an academic milestone for me; it has been a space for transformation. I have learned to think critically, speak honestly, connect deeply, and live intentionally. I have discovered the power of resilience, the value of diverse perspectives, and the courage to keep evolving. While I still have much to learn and many goals to pursue, I now walk forward with a stronger sense of who I am and what I stand for. This journey has shown me that reflection is not about dwelling in the past, but about making meaning of it — and using that meaning to shape a better future.

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