My whole life I feel as though I have been ready and prepared for college. And now, here I stand, a little over one semester away from graduating and I no longer have that same feeling. Now, I find myself worried about taking on so much in the transition from high school into college. 

It comes as no surprise to anyone that the step from high school to college is a big one, and there are many new things that incoming college students have to get ready to take on. 

One of those things is financial responsibility. Now, some people will stay with their parents, but for those others who choose to move away, financial issues come about in the forms of insurance, taxes, and bills. Of course this doesn’t even include paying for college in itself, buying yourself food, and paying for your own basic necessities.

As someone who will be paying for the majority of my personal and college expenses during my time in college, these prices seem infinitely daunting compared to my current paychecks which are going towards Sonic drinks and Marshalls trips.

Something else I worry about is finding a new personality and finding out who I am in college. Right now as a high school senior I know who my friends are, and they are always close by. Going into college, I know that some of my friends will be leaving to go to other colleges and I will be meeting new people. And personally, as someone who has not always been the best at meeting new people, this terrifies me.

And as if the financial burdens as well as the personal burdens that come with college aren’t enough, during this whole process of college, I will be attempting to figure out what I want to do with my life. 

Now for someone who already knows what they want to do for their future career, this step becomes a bit easier. But, for those who are undecided and still figuring out what they want to do, this just adds to the stress of the transition.

So, just to recap on why me, a high school senior, is currently so stressed about the transition from high school to college is due to a multitude of reasons that range from finances to choosing a future career. But, overall I feel as though my stress is normal for anyone put in this situation.

Seniors, or any high school student for that matter, if you find yourself worrying over college, just know I completely understand.