Camtastic Newsletter April 2025
Student to Student: Honest Advice as I Head Toward Graduation
by Breanna Gallagher
As graduation approaches, I've been reflecting on these last four years. It's been a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but the best part of being in college is that change is welcomed. You can try things out, see what you enjoy and pursue passions you might not have had the resources to do otherwise.
But let's be real for a second: People always talk about all the opportunities and the fun — how college is supposed to be the "best years of your life." And while that's true in many ways, there's also the struggle that no one really talks about, and I'm guessing you'll relate to this. College isn't always easy, and that's completely OK.
One thing that's harder than people let on is making friends. You probably imagined it like in the movies, where you'd instantly click with people and suddenly have your group. But that's not always the case. Reaching out to new people can be nerve-wracking, but it's usually easier than you think. The hardest part is just putting yourself out there, whether it's joining a club or talking to the person next to you in class. Trust me, once you do, it all starts to come together. You'll find your people, and suddenly, the campus won't feel so intimidating anymore.
We all know the point of college is academics, but no one warns you how hard some of those classes will be. There will be moments when you're sitting in front of a textbook and a pile of notes, and you'll feel completely lost. You'll wonder: How am I even supposed to get through this? Am I smart enough for this? It's easy to feel defeated, and there will be times when you want to give up. You'll hit walls, especially with classes that don't click, and that's totally normal. The thing is, you're not alone in that feeling. Everyone looks like they have it together, but we're all struggling somehow behind the scenes.
What's important is that you will make it through. It might take time and asking for help (please do this, it's one of the best things you can do and there are plenty of resources ), and it might mean late-night study sessions with friends, but you'll get through it. When you finally pass that impossible class, that feeling of accomplishment will be worth every effort.
At the end of the day, college isn't about having everything figured out right away. It's about learning how to keep going when things get tough, asking for help when needed, and figuring out where you fit even when unsure where that is yet.
So yes, there will be moments when making friends and handling tough classes will feel impossible. But keep pushing, keep showing up. You'll make it through, and in the end, it'll be more than worth it.
And don't forget to enjoy it. College is a time to try new things, explore new places, and discover yourself. It may be your first time away from home, so take advantage of it. Have fun. Step out of your comfort zone. There's so much to experience; take your chance and make the most of it.