I was nominated by Kat from The Boozy Housewife AND Chloe from Chloe Chats to take part in this challenge! Thank you lovely ladies! This 20 Minute Blog Challenge was created by Karen at The Mommy Lady. Here we gooo!
Rules
- You have 20 minutes to create your post, this includes writing, checking, proofreading, editing and adding any images.
- Mention the person who gave you the challenge and include a link to their website.
- After 20 minutes you must publish what you have created.
- You can write about any topic you choose.
- Once you have done, you must choose three of your blogging friends to do the challenge, include links to their website.
- Let your challenge nominees know via Twitter.
Here’s my 20 minute post – it’s about my early college days
I graduated from a vocational high school in which I took Graphic Design. I loved it and did fairly well in that class. I received the “Top Shop” award for being recognized as “skilled” in the trade I studied at school, as well as became Valedictorian of my graduating class. I was accepted into every college I applied to, as well as won cash scholarships on top of some full-tuition scholarships.
Due to there not being much of a demand for Graphic Designers in my area, I decided to try Computer Science, as I figured graduates of that field are incredibly in demand and get paid a lot. I ended up choosing a college that specialized in Mathematics and Sciences and was considered the college with the “Best Bang For Your Buck” in the state.
First Semester
My first semester of college was definitely not what I expected. I soon realized that my high school was a complete JOKE and I was struggling in almost every class I took – Intro to Computer Science, Physics, Calculus II, etc.
I took the train to school every morning at 6 am, in which the ride was about 1.5 hours (one way), and every afternoon, I would rush to the train station so I wouldn’t miss it. There aren’t a lot of train times going to my local station, so I’d end up having to wait for nearly another 2 hours to catch the next one going home. Imagine having your last class of the day finish just 15 minutes before you need to catch your ride home … but it takes 25 minutes to walk to the station! Some days, I made it (but drenched in sweat), and other days, I didn’t.
Every night I would only end up sleeping for 3 or 4 hours because of the insane workload I had and having to wake up really early to catch the train.
Not being able to comprehend my classes, the heavy workloads, and the stress from commuting and having to make it to the train station on time quickly wore me down to the point where I developed severe anxiety attacks. I developed headaches, nausea, stomach aches, bloating, dizziness, numbness in a part of my body, and got to the point where I was no longer able to read and comprehend simple sentences.
As a result of developing severe anxiety attacks, my doctor strongly recommended that I leave school. Within a month and a half of starting my college journey, I withdrew from all classes because I could no longer function. All in all, that experience reaffirmed my intense hatred for Physics, as well as helped me to realize I was crazy for thinking I could study Computer Science just because of the money I could make.
Second Semester
After recuperating from that traumatic experience, I decided to return to the same college but take Digital Design. Unfortunately, there was no Graphic Design major in this school so this was the closest I could get to it. This involved many art classes mixed with 3D renderings on the computer.
I successfully finished the semester, but not without getting hurt again in some way. Within a week of my second semester starting, I got into my very first car accident on a major highway due to black ice (no injury for me there, but my car was no longer worth fixing). I also developed carpal tunnel and tendinitis from excessive mouse clicking. Oh, and I also realized this major was still not for me so I left the school, along with all of my scholarships, completely afterward. This was when I started looking into Dental Hygiene.
So that summed up my first year of college and the fun, eventful things that transpired. Yes, it’s sarcastic, by the way. 🙄😅
Things I Learned from my first year of college
HOWEVER, I did learn something from all of this. I learned that all the money in the world isn’t worth my health. If I had stayed in that major (God only knows how), I could probably be really well off… but probably mentally scarred and physically battered from all the stresses I had to go through. (I say that now but just last week, you might’ve seen my tweet about me asking if a job that constantly stressed you out was worth the money… 😂🙈 I need to be reminded)
I nominate:
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Wow that is an amazing story. I’m sorry that you were so poorly all for the sake of school. But as you say your health is mire important.
Thank you Karen!! I feel much better now that I’m out of the situation and I feel more empowered from it!!
I love this post! I’ve just read one of these 20minutes blog challenges and I love the idea behind it. Thank-you for sharing your story, it can be hard to figure out the path for yourself. It’s also good to think about the things you learned, we always learn something.
Gemma | http://www.anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com
Thanks Gemma! It was tricky but I had a clear idea of it so I went for it! I try my best to focus on the good, for sure, and I feel like it makes me stronger 🙂 Thank you for reading lovely! xx
Well done for writing this in 20 minutes! Sorry you had such a tough time. Things do have s way of working themselves out though don’t they.
Thank you so much Marie! I’m just glad it is over and I found the silver lining through it all 🙂
Even though you were great at graphics design, it’s always worth taking a challenge to see if something works for you. It’s fine that you didn’t continue computer science – it’s not for everyone and definitely not for me. In the end, you found your passion without going through a lot of stress :).
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Yes that is true! I definitely realized how out of my element I was when it came to computer science. Sometimes I think what would’ve happened if I stayed with Graphic design, but this is quite nice and I’m glad I did it 🙂 Thank you for reading!
You went through so much. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad even these experiences taught you something.
Thank you so much for reading!! 😊 It may be hard sometimes but I managed to find the good despite all of that!
Love this post, you did well for the 20 minute challenge! I’m glad you are in a better place now, it’s so important to look after ourselves even if we do have these kind of opportunities or we know doing something will get us a good career and loads of money – that’s fine of course, aim high but as long as it’s something that you love and if you find it’s starting to affect your mental and physical health then it might not be the right choice for you! Thank you for sharing <3
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Thanks so much Chloe!! It was hard and embarrassing and I didn’t want to leave because of that. It’s hard not knowing which path to take! I am glad I left though, because you are right: mental and physical health are much more important!!! xx
20 minute post that is a challenge you did well! Thank you for sharing your story xx
Thank you so much Lauren! 😊
Geraldine – You did an incredible job of this challenge!! What an awesome post to create in so little time.
Your story tugged at my heartstrings and I feel for you with everything you went through. Seems like you had so much pressure and stress from the unrealistic expectations of yourself – no wonder it was far to heavy a load to carry.
At least you have found something far better suited to you and I’m glad you’re keeping yourself as healthy as possible. It’s great that you’re managing the anxiety as best you can and reducing your external stresors. Keep it up my love!
Take care,
Hanna x
xoxo
Hanna Rose
Latest Blog Post: Christmas Blog Post Ideas Part Two
Aww thank you so much Hanna! I really love and appreciate your comment and kind words!
I definitely thought it would be as easy as it was in high school, which was totally wrong! I learned that now, and I feel like it has made me stronger! And now I know what severe anxiety attacks are like 😂 Thank you so much dear! I am trying my best like everyone else to manage anxiety and work and life in general 😄
Wow you wrote so much in twenty minutes! Sounds like you made the right decision leaving school, nothing is more important than your health. Thank you for sharing your story 🙂
Hahaha I think I only managed to do that because I had an idea already 😁 I learned the hard way that health is most important!
Wow- what a great post for only 20 minutes!! Sometimes we have to go through tough times in order to learn something or figure out what we need. Sounds like that experience made you realize just how much you need to take care of yourself!! Thanks for sharing…:)
Thank you so much Britni! Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way but I’m glad I came out alive!!
This was such an interesting post to read! I’m currently in my second year of college as a Journalism major and I can definitely understand how overwhelmed and anxious you were feeling. I’m so glad you realized that no amount of money is worth your health and you found something you like more! I also can’t believe you wrote all this in 20 minutes! I would try doing this but I take wayyyyy too long to write anything 😂 haha Thanks for sharing!
melissakacar.blogspot.com
oh that’s awesome Melissa! I hope college is treating you well! There’s so much going in in college haha it can seriously take a toll on your health! Thank you so much by the way, I already had a vision before I started!! Thanks so much for reading! xx
It takes time to figure out exactly what you want to do with life. We learn something from every opportunity we take, even if it’s just that we are not meant to do XYZ. That train ride was a beast though!
Incredibly so, Crystal! It took such a long time. The train ride was a long haul for sure and was exhausting!!
Geraldine, I’m glad you’re safe now, mentally and physically. I’ll admit, I failed all my classes my first year of attending a university. College can be stressful if you’re not prepared and my high school did not prepare me mentally for the social and educational changes. I’m so happy you figured out what to study. I changed my major 5 times before I figured out what I wanted to do. You’re right no amount of money is worth you sanity and health. Inspiring story, so glad I read it.
Natonya | https://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
I totally relate to that!! I thought my high school would’ve prepared me more but it was very upsetting and stressful. Wow, I am glad you got to figure out what you wanted to do! We’re often pressured to think early and it’s hard cause we change our minds over time. So glad you got to read it, thank you for visiting lovely!
Well holy crap!! First off, you are bloody brilliant! I mean I know you struggled through and anxiety overtook you but still, damn girl you smart.
Second, and I thought I hated college…
I am so glad you finally found something you are passionate about that doesn’t seem to be killing you. And I am very proud of you for quitting the job that was stressing you out!! You are so fab!! Love this!!💗
Thank you so much girl!! Hahaha that means so much to me 😊 I HATE SCHOOL WITH A PASSION. Glad we could relate on that lol! Learning on my own time is different though haha! It was hard and it felt shameful to leave but I did. I’m SO happy and I’ve never looked back, ever!!! 🤩
Goodness that all sounds very stressful! I think the travelling and lack of sleep would’ve seriously got to me. I work with people who get up really early and commute for hours each day. I seriously couldn’t do it! I say well done for giving it a go but nothing is worth risking your health for xx
Thank you so much Alison! I definitely hate waking up early so that was quite a bit stressor for me! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it!
Thank you for sharing part of your story. I’m so sorry you had such a miserable time, but I’m glad you found a field you are more passionate about. I, too, have chosen to alter my course many times due to stress. It’s more important to enjoy life!
Thank you so much for reading love, I am just glad I left that life!! Just thinking about it makes me anxious … hehe. I totally agree, if something stresses you out, it’s def not worth it!
Brian here!
First off I’m actually impressed that you wrote this in twenty minutes. I think if I did this challenge I’d make something completely random that no one would understand, like or even be able to read – so good job!
On another note your college experience sounds similar to Chelsea’s, same with the ending thought if I’m being honest.
Never do something that damages you, never put yourself in a position of pain for gain, focus on your own health and life first. It may make your financial health more difficult to maintain yeah, but in the end it’s better for “you” as a person.
Thank you for Sharing this Geraldine! Loved the read.
Thank you Brian!! I was inspired before I even started the 20 minutes so I was able to write pretty fluidly!!
I’m so glad I left. I unfortunately learned the hard way that money doesn’t equate to happiness. Thank you for reading!! 😊
Yay!!!! GREAT Post! I knew you would do well when I nominated you! At least you still have your art, and now, you can use that to alleviate stress instead of creating it! You are such an awesome person!
Haha YESS faith not misplaced!! I think can definitely use that as a medium to relieve stress. Good idea! Why didn’t I think of that earlier?! UGH! I love you Kat! Thank you 😃