College: a word that strikes fear into the hearts of every senior across the nation. It brings to mind visions of a new life, one full of coursework and deadlines and midterms and a billion other stressors. This view of college often makes it extremely stressful for many seniors considering their future in education, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

Even before college starts it can be intimidating. The barrage of emails and letters from colleges around the country each demanding an individual application. The process of applying to a college can be confusing but help is available, whether through counselors or guides. Senior Ryan Swart worries about being drowned out by the crowd, saying it is hard to “stand out from kids all across the nation.”

Fear not, for counselors and advisers; both high school and college can make this process much less stressful. Many colleges have admissions counselors who can advise students about which majors they should choose or programs that can lead them down career paths. Not only can they help with how to get there, but they can also help find a destination. 

Being surrounded by a bunch of strangers will be refreshing for some, but for many having their friends at a different school or even across the country will be a tough loss. That kind of change is hard, as some students have been friends since elementary and are now being forced to separate. Senior Cole Siegrist isn’t worried about his social life though, saying that “there’s people I won’t see very often anymore but every time I see them it’ll be like I never left.” There’s hope though, through college major programs students will find like-minded individuals pursuing the same field of study.

Those who choose the dorm life face another challenge: their roommate. Career Center Specialist Jocelyn Whiteneck says communication is key, advising students to “establish ground rules and to talk to your RA if you have problems as they can help solve them.” RA’s or resident assistants keep the rules enforced on a dorm floor, and are appointed to enforce rules and and generally help residents.

For most, college will be their first step into real independence and that can be a little terrifying. No parents means no rules, but it also removes any kind of safety net for a lot of students. Moving away from home is a plunge into the deep end and while that’s worrying, it also represents a lot of possibilities. College may be scary, but it’s also a new step into a world of possibilities.

College can represent fear and anxiety if you go at it unprepared, but there’s so much good that can come out of the college experience. Life-long friends, unexpected new passions, fulfilling careers, and more await!