If you’re reading this, it’s okay to be confused.
After months of anticipation, I couldn’t believe that I was finally going to move to Boston and attend the school of my dreams. After a sweaty move-in day and saying goodbye to my parents, I was ready for the best four years of my life to start. It didn’t take very long for those dreams to be crushed by the weight of reality. Coming from metropolitan, middle-class Ohio and attending a strict, private Christian school for thirteen years made the college transition extremely hard. I wasn’t used to the party scene and it felt almost impossible to connect with people who have shared similar experiences. Navigating a culture of superficial friendships and wealth at a prestigious college has been a challenge in its own.
The truth is, I don’t know if BC is the place for me. I love BC as an institution but my mental health has suffered tremendously which is something I’ve never dealt with before. I question why I left my two triplet sisters, loving parents, and friendly community. I feel as though I can’t fit in with the culture here and that I can’t engage in the BC community and traditions. For those who are feeling the same way, for those who are confused, for those who feel like aliens here, for those who feel like they don’t belong at BC, you are not alone.
Please know that there is strength and growth in the distress and trials we endure. It is okay to not have all the answers right away. It is okay to make changes in order to cultivate a sense of belonging and happiness.
This too shall pass.
William C., Boston College ‘25
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