College marks the beginning of a person’s future as an adult. It is a time of new possibilities, independence and responsibility. However, that independence means the student is on their own in navigating a new educational system, setting a course, and coping on a college campus. Parents are not welcomed to ask questions or give input to their child’s counselor or professor and suddenly the student is fully on their own, whether they are at a local community college or away at a university.
Many college students, both new and returning, struggle to find their passion that will direct them toward setting goals for the future. Common questions that face young people are: What do I want to do with my life? When I get a degree, will I find a job and make enough of an income to support myself? Have I chosen the right major? And even if they have the answers to these questions, they face the challenge of being able to get the classes they need. This new life of independence is stressful. And where can they turn for help and support?
In high school, everything was manageable and seemed to be under control. Now that they are in college, so much has changed. They had their friends to turn to for direction and support but now their peers have dispersed to other places. Even if they attend the same school the chance of being in the same class or being able to hang out at school, as they had done previously, is rare. And to top it off, many students that performed well during their elementary and secondary education, find they are not achieving the same grades they are accustomed to. This can be a very discouraging and overwhelming time for them.
Before your student is at the point of considering leaving college, they need to seek help. An educational psychologist can provide counseling to students to teach them to cope with their feelings, organize and manage their classes and workload, determine how to proceed with their future, and set a path they can follow. In addition, young people can learn how to be their own advocate, which is essential for their future, regardless of the path they choose.
Research shows that approximately one third of students will drop out in their first two years of college. Don’t let that happen to your child!
Laurie Adachi is an Educational Psychologist in private practice in Santa Clarita. She can be reached at 661-255-2688. You may also visit www.compassionatesolutionsscv.com for more information.