Dear friend, I understand your feelings. It is natural to feel confused and scared, especially when facing major changes and challenges in life. You once had a clear goal – to get into a good university – and now that you have achieved it, you find yourself at a new starting point, one that may make you feel uncertain and uneasy.
Many college students experience this stage after entering college. College life is very different from high school life. It brings more freedom and choices, but also more uncertainty and challenges.
The confusion and fear you describe are normal reactions to new environments and challenges.
You are experiencing a psychological phenomenon called an "identity crisis." This refers to the confusion about self-identity that arises as an individual grows up due to changes in life roles and values. The confusion you are experiencing now is a manifestation of this identity crisis.
In high school, your goals were clear: to get into a good university. You achieved that goal. Now, you need to define new goals. It's normal to feel lost in this transition.
You mentioned "self-pity" and "playing the victim." This is a form of self-criticism and disappointment with your current situation. However, you must remember that everyone has their own pace and timing, and your value is not defined by the school you attend or the achievements you have made.
Your past efforts and achievements are worthy of recognition. Your current confusion and exploration are also part of your growth.
The answer to your question, "Why have I never seen it before, but now it's in my line of sight?" is simple: you are beginning to be exposed to more diverse information and perspectives, which is part of growing up. On the Internet, we tend to only be exposed to information that matches our interests and behavior patterns. As your interests and behavior patterns change, the information you are exposed to will also change accordingly.
Knowing yourself is the first step towards finding your way. Get to know yourself better, discover your interests, clarify your values, and define your life goals through various activities such as reading and sports.
Take part in community service. You'll not only help others, but you'll also discover your passions in practice.
Set both short-term and long-term goals, based on your interests and values. These goals can be academic, such as improving grades in a subject; personal growth, such as learning a new language; or career-related, such as participating in an internship program.
You will feel a sense of accomplishment and increased motivation with each small goal achieved by breaking down big goals into small steps.
You are not alone on the path of exploration. Family, friends, and teachers are all valuable resources.
We can better understand ourselves and find a way forward by sharing our confusion and dreams with others and seeking their advice and support. At the same time, professional psychological counselors can also provide professional guidance and assistance.
Stay curious and open to learning, adapt to new environments, and accept new challenges. This is how you continue to grow and improve. Everyone's growth path is unique. Don't compare yourself to others. Find a path that suits you.
Our value is not defined by the school we attend or the achievements we make. It is defined by our intrinsic qualities and the efforts we make.
Take action. It's the best way to overcome confusion and fear. Set a small goal today, like joining a club that interests you or reading a book that piques your interest.
Take that first step. Every step you take is a step forward, and every step will bring you closer to the life you want. Go for it!


Comments
I can relate to feeling lost as a freshman. It's tough when reality doesn't match our expectations. Maybe it's time to set new goals that fit where you are now and find ways to grow from here.
It's okay to feel down, but try not to let your environment define you. Focus on what you can control and seek out opportunities for personal development within or outside your school.
Feeling out of place is common in university. Instead of comparing yourself to others, explore what makes you unique and build on that. There's value in every experience if we look for it.
The transition from high school to college can be jarring. What you're experiencing might just be part of growing up. Try embracing this phase as a chance to redefine yourself and discover new interests.
It's hard when you feel like you've fallen short of your dreams. But remember, success isn't only about the school you attend. Look for role models around you who can inspire and support you in different ways.