May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to elevate conversations around mental wellbeing and reduce the stigma that surrounds it. In recognition, we’re sharing stories directly from students who are navigating the pressures and facing the challenges of higher ed life today.
One of those students is Ruby Adamowicz, a sophomore at Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Here’s Ruby’s perspective, in her own words.
The right direction
I’m nearing the end of my sophomore year of college, and I can still confidently say that I have absolutely no idea where I’ll end up after graduation. I see my peers landing internship offers and studying abroad — even my own roommate has a full-time job offer set for her once she graduates.
Now, I’m not saying that I’m coasting through college. Trust me, I have put in the work. But I’ve also realized that success does not look the same for everyone. We’re all moving through life at our own pace. I always remind myself that some people find themselves as undergrads, some as post-grads and many are simply still trying to figure out who they are, which is normal and okay.
This brings me to the question that’s almost always in every student’s head: “Am I headed in the right direction?”
Second-guessing first-year decisions
For me, I have always struggled with finding my passion and figuring out what jobs align with my major. It’s like a mental battle. I’m constantly asking myself: “Am I doing this because I genuinely love it, or is it just what makes the most sense?”
I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was a freshman while both of my sisters were seniors at the same school. In all honesty, they were the ones who encouraged me to major in marketing. In my high school mind, following in their footsteps was what made the most sense. I figured I would know what classes to take, how to find an internship and have some overall guidance during my first year. And it seemed like the smart choice. Business is so broad and allows you to be creative. But, two years in, I still second-guess whether this is my “passion.”
Figuring things out – one day at a time
There are days when I feel inspired and even motivated to work on social media projects and brainstorm my entrepreneurial ideas. Other days, I feel like I’m going through the motions — just checking off my tasks for the day. Sometimes, I’m inspired to plan out my goals, update my resume and have a strong sense of where I want to be post-grad. There are also times when I feel like I’m stuck, almost like a fish out of water. And that’s okay. I’ve learned that “figuring it out” doesn’t mean that your life will fall into place that same day. It means taking small steps, such as talking to your professors, stepping out of your comfort zone, joining clubs, being social and challenging yourself.
Follow your own path
What I’ve come to learn during my time at college is that nobody has it all figured out — even your classmate who has 500+ connections on LinkedIn and is posting about their summer internship.
We’re all experiencing college for the first time and trying to figure out what to do to be happy. There are ups and downs, but you can take it one day at a time. If you’re reading this and are feeling lost, confused, behind or even stuck, I’m here to remind you that it is so normal. It’s a feeling that comes from comparing yourself to people who are on a different path than you. As the saying goes, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
What now
Honestly, this is a great question that I try to answer each day.
Life is not one straight line. It’s everyone’s first time living, trying to navigate what the world has to offer. But the more you show up and put yourself out there, you’ll find what life has for you. College is not a race to be employed. It’s a chance to figure out what makes you feel happy.
Apply for the internship you feel underqualified for, make friends with new people and take advantage of all the opportunities possible.
So, I will leave you with this. If you’re feeling lost and keep asking yourself, “Am I doing enough?” — you are not alone.
Take it one day at a time.
Written by Ruby Adamowicz, sophomore marketing major at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Cengage Student Ambassador