Dear Gabby,
I’m a second year student and I feel like I’m going to be attending Sinclair Community College a bit longer than the supposed time of two years. I am ok with this but my parents are putting pres- sure on me to be done at the expected time so I can move on to a university. I don’t want to disappoint them but I just can’t live up to their expectations and be done so quickly. What can I do?
Expectation
Dear Expectation,
It’s completely normal
to feel this, but remember college is a process that will be worth the time in the long run. One good thing is college doesn’t have an expiration date. It doesn’t matter when you graduate, it just matters that you received your diploma. Don’t rush yourself. Remember, college is a journey that leads you into the next chapter of your life. My advice to you is to stay focused on completion, no matter how long it takes you. Ultimately, it’s your life. As long as you’re doing your best and getting good grades, I think the time is irrelevant. You’ll always have pressure from your parents, mainly because they want what’s best, but don’t let that discourage you. If you show them that you’re serious about college, they’ll notice and realize you’re trying your hardest to stay focused on completing school.
Take it easy,
Gabby
Dear Gabby,
I was never much of a partier in high school so naturally after graduation I lost touch with most of my friends who party a lot. I go when I can, but I am a full time student and I work two jobs. I feel as though liked by many people, but I’m having a hard time get- ting invited to things. Most nights I even see pictures posted of their fun nights and it makes it really hard to stay positive. Now that I’m in college I would love nothing more than to meet people like myself. What can I do to make friends at a community college? I am trying to stay positive, but my patience is dwindling with the more days that go by. I have already addressed the problem of not getting invited to things to my best friend but nothing seems to have changed. What else can I do to get more involved with them, besides try and meet new people?
Sincerely,
Little Ms. Lonely
Dear Little Ms. Lonely,
It sounds like you are very goal oriented. This is where things get tricky because
a lot of students may not have as much responsibility as you do. Don’t be hard on yourself because you are focused on your future. Our college years get complicated because we are still young and wanting to have nights where we can hang with friends, but at the same time we’re paving the road ahead. I know it may hurt your feelings because you are being left out, but in the end, you’re benefiting yourself by focusing on your jobs and school. Personally, I have experienced this. The best advice I can give you is to schedule “get-togethers” ahead of time. This way you’ll be able to work around your schedule, and still give yourself some moments to hang out. Maybe find a day that works with your agenda and then take initiative to schedule a time with your friends. This will show that you’re willing to put in effort for your friendship. I know you’re wanting to stay involved with your current friends now, but consider checking out the clubs here at Sinclair. This is a
way to find friends that have common interests with you, as well as staying involved with things happening on campus. Visit www.sinclair. edu/organizations for more information. I guarantee if you keep focusing on yourself and keep building a strong foundation of work ethics, it will give you an edge on everyone else. Don’t get discouraged. I hope you will create a stronger bond with your friends, and possibly meet more people on campus.
Stay you, Gabby