by Grace Henderson
The ascent from high school to university is a wonderfully overwhelming and busy amalgamation of opportunity, new-found independence, self-exploration, and inevitably navigating the reality that you are no longer a big fish in a small pond.
This can be daunting and disheartening for many. Matrics, recently clothed in accolades, achievements, and authority, are now stripped and shoved into the lowly position of first-years. The withdrawals from being yanked from the fish tank that is high school and into the ocean of campus life are vast – from no longer being known by everyone or being placed at the top of the social ladder to reminiscing on the days when your life was predictable and comfortable.
This shift, whilst jarring, can be the most exciting element of your tertiary journey, and is a vital part of the process.
It is a brilliant and rare opportunity to not only redesign and mould your identity, but also to absorb, adapt, and to let go of the pressure to always be the best. While it can feel as though you are surrounded by equally (or exceedingly) ambitious, intelligent, and talented students, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that everyone is experiencing this adjustment. It is not a case of sink or swim – being thrust into a new environment can be overstimulating, and transitioning to this new way of life is non-linear. You have to give yourself grace and time.
Whilst it is common to encounter emotions of displacement, view this acclimation as a chance to say yes to new experiences, to get involved in your community, to explore your interests, and to meet as many people as possible.
As much as this new world is larger and seemingly scarier, your opportunities and space for growth become larger as well! So do not be discouraged, but inspired, as a spectacular university experience awaits you.
