Throughout life, people experience many events which change their lives positively or negatively. Major life events such as marriage, childbirth, job changes, and others have a significant impact on the quality of a person’s life and activities. It is true that “most people experience a major and potentially traumatic event at some point in their lifetimes” (232). Starting college was not traumatic but emotionally challenging for me, as it completely changed my life. Certainly, this stage is expected and preferred for many people, but for the individual, it is a turning point. Starting college is by far the most significant event in my life, one that has brought me both negative and positive changes.
First of all, when I entered college, my daily activity drastically changed. Although I paid sufficient attention to my studies while still in school, in college, I have to devote much more time to it. During my school years, I could allocate my time for leisure and study evenly. Every day I went out with friends or devoted time to my hobbies. The range of my activities was much wider; I could try new things and get carried away with them for a while. The most remarkable thing is that I did not pay much attention to the daily routine; I did not plan what I needed to do. However, these aspects changed radically with the entrance to college.
In contrast to my school days, I now have to be much more responsible when planning my day. Although I still spend time with my friends sometimes, I do it much less now since studying is my priority. This aspect is due to the fact that long-term changes bring people much more satisfaction than short-term ones (Kettlewell et al. 7). While at school, I was not aware of the purpose of my education, as it was compulsory; now, I am assessing my prospects for the future. Currently, I can only devote time to really important activities, which limits their variety. However, with an increase in their value, the level of my knowledge and skills in a certain activity also increases for me.
Relationships with loved ones were also a fairly important aspect of my life. The British Psychological Society notes that attachment plays a significant role in the perception of major life events (Spence et al. 50). Along with other factors, disruption of family connections can lead to denial and negative reactions to change. During my school years, I devoted much more attention to communicating with my family, as I am very close to my parents. We often spent time together, walking or visiting other relatives. My parents have always provided me with emotional support and helped me in difficult situations.
In contrast to the past, now I devote much less time to my family, which often causes negative emotions in me. I devote a lot of attention to my studies, and often I still have the strength to interact with them as before. This aspect is negative for me emotionally. However, at the same time, they are proud of my achievements, and I can be their support in the future, which evokes positive feelings in me and gives additional value to such restrictions. Achievements are also a significant part of the perception of change (Spence et al. 50). The prospects that will open before me after graduation compensates for the fact that, at the present time, I do not devote enough time to my family.
Along with external factors such as activity and relationships with people, my inner state also changed. Whereas before, I was not aware of the clear purpose of my life and the desires which I would like to realize, I perceived myself differently. During my school years, I was less responsible in relation to my decisions or actions. Even though teenagers did not make significant decisions in their lives before going to college, I did not even understand the value of my life. It seemed that everything would happen by itself, without my direct participation and effort.
After entering college, I began to understand that my time is limited and that it should not be wasted. Moreover, I began to reflect on my goals and plans for life, building a strategy. While I still do not have a clear understanding of all aspects of my future, since life is often unpredictable, I am aware of the direction in which I should put my efforts. Moreover, despite the fact that, while interacting with the academic community in the face of teachers and peers, I began to compare myself with them, I also value my identity more. I realize that I am a unique person, like all other people, and my future depends on my actions and decisions.
So my life changed after going to college. In contrast to the past, it has become more structured and planned. I, as a person, in turn, also perceive my activity more clearly and allocate my time accordingly. However, the negative factor is that I cannot spend enough time with my family and friends. Nevertheless, the joy of my present and future achievements gives me considerable emotional satisfaction.
Works Cited
Kettlewell, Nathan, et al. “The Differential Impact of Major Life Events on Cognitive and Eddective Well-being.” SSM – Population Health, vol. 10, 2020, pp. 1-9. Web.
Reynolds, Jonh, and Jay Turner. “Major Life Events: Their Personal Meaning, Resolution, and Mental Health Significance.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior, vol. 49, no. 2, 2008, pp. 223-237. Web.
Spence, Ruth, et al. “Why are life events troubling?” The Psychologist, vol. 32, 2019, pp. 48-51. Web.