Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
Youth Interactive Writer
WE live in a world that often equates success with a college degree and stepping outside of that narrative can feel like a rebellious act.
Dropping out of university or college is not a simple decision. here is a sting of perceived failure. It can be a deep painful experience, often involving feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. The pain of dropping out isn’t just personal, it’s also societal.
The decision normally feels like a failure, especially when surrounded by colleagues who are progressing well towards their degrees.
The implications, such as potential career limitations and financial burdens, add more emotional distress.
But I still believe that every set back is a set up for a step up to those who desire to finish the race.
The academic journey is always accompanied by ups and downs but the pain of dropping out while you still want to pursue is heartbreaking.
This week, I am filling the shoes of students who have dropped out of college along the way.
Obviously, it is accompanied by disappointments and some circumstances which are beyond their control.
While, some have dropped due to personal reasons. Some have tried but dropped due to lack of support.
Dropping out of college is a deeply personal and often painful decision for many students.
It is not just an academic choice but a pivotal moment that can alter the trajectory of students’ lives.
The reasons behind this decision are varied financial struggles, mental health issues, lack of support, or a realisation that traditional education may not align with their goals. Each story is unique, yet they share a common thread of loss and uncertainty. For many students, the decision to leave college is associated with emotional turmoil.
Many parents or guardians sacrifice a lot for their college students.
Sometimes they fail due to different reasons but the sad part comes when a student drops due to lack of resources.
Lack of tuition fees normally hit hard and it is actually a niggle in one’s shoes.
Many students have dropped out of school and it act like throwing away their investment, their hopes.
This sentiment is common.
The expectation, both internal and external, to succeed in the traditional academic framework is normally immense, and stepping away triggers feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
The structured environment of university, with its clear milestones and defined goals, is replaced by a vast, uncharted territory.
The lack of a clear path can be paralysing, leading to anxiety and self-doubt. The reasons for dropping out are as varied as the students themselves.
Financial pressures are a significant factor. The rising cost of tuition, coupled with the burden of student debts, can make university an unsustainable option for many.
Lack of passion, has also led to some people dropping from college.
Discovering that your chosen field of study simply doesn’t ignite your passion can be a soul-crushing realisation.
Spending years studying something you don’t love feels like a slow, agonising death. I have also noted that some students drop due to pressures of university life that normally take a toll on mental health.
Anxiety, depression, and burnout are common among students, and sometimes, stepping away has been their best options for self-preservation.
Some students discover opportunities outside of academia that are more aligned with their goals and values.
Realising that the traditional academic setting simply doesn’t suit your learning style can be a valid reason to explore alternative educational paths.
However, it’s important to remember that a university degree is not the only path to a fulfilling and successful life.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated”.
College is not just a place for academic learning; it’s also a community.
When students leave, they often lose their support networks. The social aspect of college is vital for mental well-being, and its absence can lead to feelings of isolation and regret.
Despite the pain of dropping out, many students find new paths that align better with their passions.
Some go on to pursue vocational training, entrepreneurship, or alternative educational routes.
Dropping out of university may feel like a defeat, but it doesn’t have to define you. It can be a turning point, a catalyst for change, and an opportunity to forge one’s unique path.
I hope this piece captures the pain of dropping out of university. Until we meet for a toast.
Feedback: nyangu.latwell27 @gmail.com
