College is often considered the next logical step after high school. However, not everyone follows the traditional path. Sam Camacho embarked on the college journey right after high school but soon realized that he wasn't ready to commit to a specific career path just yet. Instead, he chose to prioritize his personal development. In this blog post, we'll delve into Sam's story and provide advice to students on how to embark on a similar journey.
After completing high school, Sam attended the University of Guelph as an undeclared student, meaning he hadn't chosen a major. He hoped that by exploring different classes, he would get a better idea of what he wanted to pursue.
I was excited but very nervous at the same time. I felt like everyone had a clear idea of what they wanted, and I was all over the place. It was a lot of fun because I was living with my best friends, but I wasn't enjoying school.
While his peers were settling into their majors, he felt lost and overwhelmed. It took him a lot of courage to admit that he needed a break from formal education to focus on his personal growth.
Sam decided to take a break from school and focus on self-development. He wanted to make sure that once he attended school, he was pursuing something he was truly passionate about and not simply attending school to pass. Sam explained that he felt anxious and scared going into university and that he was simply following the traditional path without considering whether it was the right one for him. There is a lack of guidance for students who are trying to figure out what their next steps should be, and they end up pursuing something that is not right for them.
Focusing on self-growth has allowed Sam to explore various avenues that traditional education may not be able to offer.
You don't need to have it all figured out at 18.
It is important to embrace uncertainty and recognize that it is okay not to have all the answers right away. Life is a journey, and sometimes the path to self-discovery takes time. Take the time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and values. Engage in activities that resonate with you. If you are focusing on self-growth before pursuing formal education, attend workshops, internships, or volunteer opportunities that align with your interests. Trust yourself, explore diverse opportunities, and find mentors that can guide you along the way. Everyone's journey is different. Don't compare your path to anyone else's.
You are you and you are #unique.
