I start College Friday and I'm absolutely terrified...

[rebgirl420]

I have mostly been an online student (for my last two High School years) and I am faced with a horrible prospect: Public College. My anxiety levels have been through the roof and every time I think about it it feels like I'm having a panic attack.

I hate change and new things. I'm absolutely sure I'm going to get lost trying to find my classes, I don't know anyone, and I'm deathly afraid of having to mingle with my peers.

If it wasn't for pot I think I would have jumped out of my skin already.

I just know this is going to be horrible. I'm going to make a complete douchebag out of myself.

Guys...it feels like I'm dying.




Oh and I got my first car today :) . It's a cheapy but I'm broke. It's a Nissan, black, sporty, and the person before me added a bunch of things to it. However the person before me totally broke the cd player AND the radio so now I have to blow even more of my cash...

Fucking stress!

[Euphoric7]

"The idea is to remain in a state of constant departure while always arriving. It saves on introductions and goodbyes. The ride does not require explanation - just occupance."

Now what does that all mean? Push yourself forward even though you don't want to. It's like jumping into a "cold" pool. It's freezing at first, but then you grow used to it and don't want to leave.

...if that helps any ;)

[SouthernGuerilla]

Well congrats. I've been saying I need to go to school for the last 6yrs, since I obtained my GED. I frankly can't stand most 18-20 something year olds, stupid, goofy, immature and sheltered.

Stop stressin. You're going to school for a degree not to make friends or socialize. Though doing such can make it a little more pleasant and less boring. :wtf:

In other news you'll meet a lot of stoners and such. :D

[rebgirl420]

These are the kinds of responses that give me comfort.

I know that one a week or two is over everything will slide into place. But these initial few weeks are pure hell.

You guys are fantastic :)

[trancefusion5]

Yeah just remember its crazy for everyone the first few days and nobodys is ever really that happy about it. You'll be fine :thumbsup:

[Nightcrewman]

I know where you are coming from I went back to college a number of years back as a mature(ish) student and for weeks beforehand I was a nervous wreck even although I am usually quite confident in the company of most groups of people.
When I got there I found most of my fears were unfounded (apart from the fear of teachers who wear black high heeled boots) of whom fortunately there were only a few LOL.
Once you get there you will be fine the first day nerves will pass you'll meet loads of people who were probably as apprehensive as you were.
It will be loads of fun and laughs with a sprinkling of learning thrown in :).
If things get a little tough then you always have us lot on here to turn to for support, although I am not too sure if that will be a comforting thought to you LOL.
As for mixing with your peers we have an old Scottish saying "We are a' Jock Tamsons bairns" meaning nobody is better than anyone else we are all equal (apart from Mrs NCM who is a wee bit more equal than me) so get stuck in there and remember you don't have to prove anything to them, just to youself.
I for one am absolutely certain you will do really well.

All the best to you.

NCM

[Chong Version 2.0]

Don't worry rebgirl, you'll be fine. You come across as a very nice person and people will see that. You won't have problems making friends.:cool::rasta:

[painretreat]

Rebgirl, you have every right in the world to be terrified, very terrified; because this is what seperates the kids from the inteligent ones, like you! Plus, you'll be leaving the child behind forever, you are an adult living and doing so!

Don't worry about making friends: everyone is in the same boat. Stress trying to find rooms. get there, they never got you enrolled. Maybe bought the wrong books. etc. everyone too pre-occupied to even see you!

THESE ARE THE FIRST SET OF THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE! You can go a day ahead or so and find your rooms to ease that. It is very frustrating looking for your next room and 10 min to do so. Everyone else is too! Learning professor's names and what the rules are!, where to park and how much time it takes to get a spot to park. making sure your schedule works for you, drop and change to another teacher.

No one is concerned if you are there or not, they don't and you don't have time to socialize or make friends, unless you are in the dorms! It isn't like kindergarden where you have to go on the playground and play with each other. Variety of age there leads to great classroom conversation and you spend time getting to know anyone, for some time. They tend to want to see your answers and conversation contribution to see if they'd like you. The exception is men, they would like a date. That isn't so bad, but you love John. They will make friends with you and go to the lunch room if you ask.

There is so much to do, clubs, etc. You can actually be a member of the volley ball, badminton or whatever there is things.

The people aren't pissy, little spoiled brats as much anymore. They don't stop the teacher with talk that , interupt and waste time of teaching in the room. That will not happen, because they are there by choice as opposed the have to and must of yesteryeear! Everyone is very different. You'll chat to the person next to you, briefly. Then rush to next class. Youl'll have some team projects and meet by working together.

The experience is so well worth it! You will be happy in college more than you can possibly imagine. With your inteligence and skills, the college ought be nervous!

Different and scheduled events with all your peers. You are goning to meet more people that are introverts and so intelligent, they have a hard time talking and relating. Making friends is a very slow process, with a few exceptions. Go to those parties, the football game and watch out for those parties and rallies?

All the luck in the world, gotta go:stoned: and can't think. pr:hippy::hippy:

[cygnustaxt]

dude i know how you feel, i've been in an out of college since i graduated high school in 05. Went for a year, took a year off, went to a different college for a year, now im going back to the first one because i moved back home and I won't know anyone heh. I start thursday, but today i have to go register for classes. Its going to suck because today is the start of open registration so its gonna be busy as fuck. I wish I could've done it earlier but the school wouldn't let me! I'm trying night classes this time around though. I think they will be better for me because I'm much more focused around this time, plus my job is right by the school so i can just go to work then go straight to class.

The first day is the easy part haha, all most teachers usually do is go over the syllabus then let you leave. This will give you plenty of time to socialize with the people in your class and get to know everyone. I'm hoping night classes will be nicer because I'm betting the people in there will be more mature/serious about school so that will be nice.

Good luck! just remember that pretty much everyone else is in the same boat as you so don't be shy, talk to people and get to know them, make friends and enjoy your classes!

[trancefusion5]

I know where you are coming from I went back to college a number of years back as a mature(ish) student and for weeks beforehand I was a nervous wreck even although I am usually quite confident in the company of most groups of people.
When I got there I found most of my fears were unfounded (apart from the fear of teachers who wear black high heeled boots) of whom fortunately there were only a few LOL.
Once you get there you will be fine the first day nerves will pass you'll meet loads of people who were probably as apprehensive as you were.
It will be loads of fun and laughs with a sprinkling of learning thrown in :).
If things get a little tough then you always have us lot on here to turn to for support, although I am not too sure if that will be a comforting thought to you LOL.
As for mixing with your peers we have an old Scottish saying "We are a' Jock Tamsons bairns" meaning nobody is better than anyone else we are all equal (apart from Mrs NCM who is a wee bit more equal than me) so get stuck in there and remember you don't have to prove anything to them, just to youself.
I for one am absolutely certain you will do really well.

All the best to you.

NCM


dude i know how you feel, i've been in an out of college since i graduated high school in 05. Went for a year, took a year off, went to a different college for a year, now im going back to the first one because i moved back home and I won't know anyone heh. I start thursday, but today i have to go register for classes. Its going to suck because today is the start of open registration so its gonna be busy as fuck. I wish I could've done it earlier but the school wouldn't let me! I'm trying night classes this time around though. I think they will be better for me because I'm much more focused around this time, plus my job is right by the school so i can just go to work then go straight to class.

The first day is the easy part haha, all most teachers usually do is go over the syllabus then let you leave. This will give you plenty of time to socialize with the people in your class and get to know everyone. I'm hoping night classes will be nicer because I'm betting the people in there will be more mature/serious about school so that will be nice.

Good luck! just remember that pretty much everyone else is in the same boat as you so don't be shy, talk to people and get to know them, make friends and enjoy your classes!

See im pretty sure everyone feels a little nervous before starting a new school or even new classes. It makes me feel better to know that everyone is in the same boat. And you sure seem to be able to make friends easy on here so im sure face to face your even cooler than we know. but yeah forget about the social aspect and only worry about doing good! My girlfriend and I have both scrwed up by slacking at the end and failing classes and its the worse. So if you dont like being at school, let that be sme incentive. Pass and your done, fail and your back next year. Its true they really will fail you! Whats that about? :wtf:

[epilepticme]

First of congrats on the new wheels! It is a cool feeling to have that freedom!

Sorry you are having so much anxiety about school. I was in a similar state before

I went off to college. That never worked out for me. I ended up getting my degree on-line from Empire State College. I hope you are able to over come this. You have something I did not have back then... Cannabis Medicine. I am sure there is a strain out there that will keep you cool and breezy :)

[illnillinois]

like this terrified?

or freeze up like deer in head light scared?

but i would be scared too, i hate the heavy denim.. and dont get me started with wool..

[dragonrider]

College is great, and you are going to have a blast! All the other new students are going through the same thing with all the same worries, so it is something you all share together and bond over. You are going to meet a lot of great new people.

Are you going away to cleege, or are you going to still live where you do now? The one great thing about going away is that it gets you away from all the same old people who have the same old expectations of you. It gives you a chance to be a different person or try new things that maybe you wouldn't try if you were still always around the same old people. It's hard to change when everyone thinks of you in one certain way, so it is a lot easier when you go somewhere where no one has any preconcieved notions about you.

Meeting the other students, the new friends, and learning new things are the great parts about college. The bureacracy is the worst. The college adminsitration and bureaucracy do not care very much about you, so that can be very discouraging if you get into some kind of problem that they will not or cannot help you with. But I think one of the things that employers value in a college graduate is that they know you have been able to navigate at least one unwieldy and uncooperative bureacracy and still achive a long term goal, which a very valueable skill. Good luck with that part.

Hopefully you will meet people who will be your lifelong friends. I just got back from a camping trip with the famiilies of seven or eight of my closest friends from college. I graduated in 1991, but we still do a good job of keeping in touch, and a few years ago we started doing an anual camping trip every summer. It's amazing to see your college friends after they are married and have kids and houses and careers, and it's hilarious to remember the old stories. And then after all the kids are put to bed, it's a blast to pull out the pipes and sit around the camp fire and smoke with your college friends like you did 20 years ago.

Good luck with everything and tell us how it all goes!

[vej33]

oh my gosh you are going to be jussst fine :)

little miss, college is stoner-friendly, you will get to know a lot of new people, stoners & non-stoners, and like you said after the first week of everything being "new", it will all be old and you will be right at home.

but you know, that first week might not even be that bad. you may find someone you enjoy hanging out with, maybe THAT person has higher anxiety levels than you, and you will be the one to calm her down :)

your possibilities are endless at this point, and like someone else said, you are entering the best years of your life. i just graduated college in May, and i'm kicking and screaming to get back in. you will love love love it :)

and may our friendly little plant help you through any time you are NOT loving it!! :rastabanna:

[matthiasj]

just get really high before you go to class

[thcbongman]

Don't worry about the socializing. Just study, work hard and the socialization will come to you. Be smart, don't mess around!

Besides reb, remember all the guys that use to stalk you around cannabis.com? x10 in college haha. Stick to the studies!

[Storm Crow]

Here's what you need to do. Go over there before classes start. Do a couple of "walk-throughs" in the order of your day. If any of the teachers are in, introduce yourself, say you are looking forward to the class and say you realize how busy...yadda, yadda, and leave. (I just put in a 9 hour day getting my classroom ready for tomorrow. The teacher was still working when I left. The week before classes is hell for educators, too! And tomorrow, the kids come!). Wander around and learn where the important things are. 1st day, you will walk confidently though your day- you know where you are going. :)

Hon, you're young, cute and, more important, smart! You are not going to have any trouble! I went back to college, in a new town (no connections :() in my 50s! I was older than 2 of my teachers that first semester! I know how it feels! All 1st year students feel that awful insecurity!

Just hold your head up like a queen, and smile! Everyone will marvel at your self-confidence and poise! ;) Dress a bit conservatively the first few days. First impressions are important. Lay out everything the night before, clothes and everything you will need. Eat a healthy breakfast. SMILE! :D


Luv ya!

Granny :hippy:

[rebgirl420]

You fucking guys and gals are fantastic!

Reading everyones advice and personal experiences made me feel incredibly more relaxed. This is exactly what I wanted out of this thread.

Oh and some people asked:

I'm going for Dental Assisting at the local Community College. I hate the awful stigma that Community Colleges have. It's not that I had bad grades or anything (I finished third in my graduating class) it's just that I'm broke.

John and I have been there multiple times to buy books and do walk throughs. We did again today actually and I think I'm finally starting to get it haha (directions are not my thing). My bookbag came from Victoria Secret today so I got my book bag and all that jazz together. I even got my clothes together haha.

I'm such a nerd!

Oh and I WILL be stoned when I get there.

[grow1964]

Hey Rebgirl, I have a daughter leaving for college this week too. Gonna miss her a lot but she is really looking forward to it and has worked hard for it. The school was 35k a year but she got a scholarship for about 1/2. Of the 18k a year she has to come up wih her mom and I are payig 12 and she pays the rest so its not too bad a deal for her. Anyway good luck wih your new adventure!!

In regards to you being stressed, sounds like you need a pure landrace sativa. The more old school the better IMO. hard to find but you should definitely look. I also fin that a lot of todays "stains of the month" tend to be very strong which is fine but it also leaves a lot of paranoia which I cant stand. Lots of anxiety as well and I attribute that to the breeders to be honest. Theres a lot more to breeding than putting some pollen on a mother plant and making seeds. My recommendations would be something like an old thai or colombian gold or something like that. Good long lasting highs that dont leave you so anxious IMO. Of course everyone is different but I have found these old strains tend to be much more social week than anything. I'll take them anyday over some of the current couchlock stuff on the market.

[SouthernGuerilla]

sober is better

save the pot for later, to forget all the...

[painretreat]

:thumbsup:Like I said, ". . .Best years of your life!" And lots of evidence here!

Another point brought up: If you don't like the kids during the day (a bit immature and pre-occupied with themselves-some) go to night school. I took both and it was a blast. Evening class's were much more laid back and just seemed easier to me! I liked knocking off a week of class in one or 2 evenings.

In fact, the evening class's; I had the same teachers from my High School that were moonlighting! Even had the same counselor from High School.

Nothing wrong with Community College. Got a good education there myself. Was stone cold broke! After my parents tossed me out at 17, I did whatever I had to, but never missed a day of college! Luckily, it was cheaper then, don't think I could have made it now!

You'll fit in better than I did. As you walk around, you'll smell pot all over, especially near the cafeteria! Where my parents neighbor worked!

There isn't as much bonding in community college itself as there will be in the dental class, you'll make your friends there! Or in a group on the campus for activism!

Enjoy those new wheels, it is awesome! I need some, gonna wait and see what they do about mpg's!
You will have less time with us!:( :hippy:

[theforthdrive]

congrats, LOL, youre all worried now but by the end of the first week you'll be more worried about who's car to go have a smoke break with all you new stoner friends. My best advice from my 10 years of college is not to get anxiety over everything. relax :jointsmile: My last year of college was my best statistically because I stopped caring and smoked every night when I was done! Oh, and I went to class....that helps!

[birdgirl73]

You are going to have a blast when you get used to it! And you're going to manage just fine until you get to that point. You always have before. You're a survivor, ladybug.

Take deep breaths. Try to look at it like you're not the only one who's going to be in a brand new situation and completely unsure. On the first day of college--the first couple of weeks, really--everyone is. When you look through your own anxiety at the other faces, you'll see the same uncertainty in everyone else's expressions, too.

Don't worry too much about the friends thing right at first. That happens spontaneously after you start to become acquainted with who you're sitting near, who you hang out with in the hallway before class, etc. You sorta want to feel out the territory anyway and give yourself time to see who you're going to feel comfortable with anyway. Just take in those first impressions and the second and third ones, too. There's no rush. You have a whole semester with these people.

This has been a big year of some major life changes for you, sweetie. It's no wonder you're uneasy. You're out of your comfort zone and you're also still grieving. You're having to do that at the same time as you're undertaking a new form of school. So you're right. Lots of changes make for a stressful time. Just go easy on yourself and tell yourself it's OK that you're feeling this way. Change is unsettling, but it's also good. Means we're growing and out of our comfort zone.

You're going to have a blast once you get used to it and bond with some buddies. More fun than you can imagine. The social aspect of college is as much a part of the education you get as the academic in many ways. And don't put down community college! Consider the fact that there are millions of folks out there who aren't lucky enough to go to school at all. You're already ahead of the game that you're enrolled in any educational facility. It doesn't have to be Harvard or Wharton or Penn State to make you smarter. Folks who go to those places will try to tell you it does, but it doesn't!

Go out and make us proud. I loved Granny's walk-through suggestion and am glad you've done that. Don't be afraid to ask for directions or assistance on campus. The natives tend to be friendly and helpful and accustomed to fielding questions. Hope you have some great teachers. Keep us updated. Have fun and learn a ton!

[rebgirl420]

You guys and gals are so supportive. It's why I love this site. Cannabis.com is like the family you've never "met-met", but you probably end up knowing more about them than a good number of people in their face to face life.

After reading these posts I can feel my blood pressure lowering haha.

[ipodguy]

im going to start my sophmore year at UC Santa Cruz in late sept and as a highschool student with mediocre grades let me tell you that college is tougher and easier at the same time
a lot more reading but a lot less busy work
its so much fun! just be open and social.
good luck

[Spoken Word]

Awesome thread.
I come back after a while and what coincidence that someone is going through the same thing as me. Nerves of starting a higher education that is...It's funny, once I say that it doesn't seem to be that much. But then I'm reminded of sitting in a room with complete strangers. Is that what we're worried about, Reb? Because like others have said in this wonderful thread, those hypothetical strangers should be in the same situation as us. I mean, they don't know us..who's to say that we aren't making them nervous? Would you want to? I know I wouldn't...I would try my hardest to make them feel as comfortable as possible. What exactly are we "fearing" here? That we make fools of ourselves while taking part in a conversation with someone we know nothing of??? "Ignore the judgemental assholes" is a general rule in life so that shouldn't be a problem. I think we'll be absolutely fine..after all, we do have the time in between classes to gather ourselves... But during class....We'll sit there, do our work and "learn". If someone happends to socialize with us, we'll analyze the sitation and respond accordingly. After a while, we'll begin to get "used" to the class(es) and people and act more natural. Next thing you know, it'll be another chore in our busy lives and we won't be giving "it" second thought. "Class, oh brother.. not these people again".. ;) just kidding.... we'll play nice and be friends with everyone.. in control..our hands on the wheel....cruising, if you will.

You are GOOD people, I know that.. Who's to say the people around(in class) wont judge you by the same measure I do? You have to give yourself the chance to meet these people and establish relationships and connections. That's a huge part of what a higher education is all about. Forget the critical people that might or might not be in your class, karma will take care of them. We have absolutely nothing to worry about(as far as class goes) except what we plant(no pun) in our head. So we should march in there(humbly, of course), concentrate on our work and let the socializing take it's normal course.

Don't let the whole idea shrink your confidence BEFORE you even get a chance to analyze the whole situation. Granted, if you have a class full of assholes, it might get rough... but chances are it'll be a class full of people who want to better themselves.

On a lighter note, I just had to fix a bunch of things on my car as well. Reb, you'd be suprised to know how "common" daily annoyances really are.

We'll be fine sweetheart.

[rebgirl420]

Yeah we'll be fine. I'm sure I'll blend into the background soon enough haha.

[Born To Stone]

I started university last year and I wouldn't worry because everyone is in the same boat and for the first few months everyone is very open and eager to get to know people. Also, everyone has common ground to talk about like what subject they do, where they're from, what music they like etc.

Generally people won't be very open about whether they smoke bud cos they don't know if your a narc or not :stoned:, I think the best way to meet stoners is probably to wear some blatant t-shirt, I met a fair few by going outside my dorms and asking for a light when I wanted to smoke a J and a load of em turned out to be stoners.

I'm sure you'll do fine, you seem like a cool girl :)

[Priincesss]

Heyy, Congrats on that car and putting yourself out there in college:thumbsup:

So you get lost on your way to class? Pfff, who the fuck cares, you get there a little later... as stressful as it is, it won't be the end of the world.... and if it is .... well,..feel free to call me a liar;)

Gurl, your gunna be just fine! And if people give you a hard time.. well, if they say anything THEIR the douch bags, and tell em to go suck a dick or somthing:thumbsup:

Have Funn, you can do this!:D

[Reefer Rogue]

You'll be fine Reb, jus avoid the bitch girls and the perverts. Good luck :)

[rebgirl420]

Well guys and gals you were all right!

College is a breeze! I haven't gotten lost once and the people (both teachers and students) are wonderful. And only one guy asked me out haha.

The only bitch is waking up at 6am, but a nice size bud in my new (yes new, no more corn cob ppe for me haha) glass bowl is the perfect way to start your day.

Yay wake-n-bake!

[SnSstealth]

good to hear reb. hope all your early classes are easy.:jointsmile:

we almost got the fantasy football thing setup. check with FBR, i think well draft this weekend.

db:smokin:

[rebgirl420]

Yeah I'm looking forward to the draft :)

I'm still not sure who some of my second string picks are though haha.

[SFGurrilla]

Why worry? Go with the flow.


WISDOM STORY

A man was walking on a road to a city with goods to sell, on his way he encountered death.

The man ask, "What are you doing out here?"

Death replied, "I am going to the city to the east to kill 10,000 people."

The man asked, "Thats horrible why are you going to do that!?"

Death said, "Its something I just have to do."

A few days pass after this, death and the man rencounter on the roads passing. The man stops death with a question again.

The man asked, "I heard there were 70,000 people dead in the city to the east! Why would you ever have done that? You lied!"

Death Replies, " I never lied."

Death, "I only killed 10,000 people like I had told you."

Death, "The depression and anxiety along with fear killed the others"
:rasta:

[illnillinois]

Hey Reb, Hows is school going?
Liking it so far?
I cant see myself going to back to school. Hell I spent 90% of my k-12 in the hall..
Never stopped my from doing 3 months of school work in 3 hrs and pulling A's

Congrats on continuing to exercise the best muscle, the brain.. never stops wanting to be worked..

[rebgirl420]

It's going great! Everyone was right in my thread, college is a blast!

:dance:

I'm sure it doesn't hurt that I do a wake-n-bake every morning though haha.

The only bad thing has to be waking up at 6am. No one should be allowed to do ANYTHING that early. Lucky for me I only go to classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 11:50 am.

[illnillinois]

That awesome news, glad to hear that..

Ya, 6am bogus.. the only people that should be awake are:
Hospital staff and
People doing 24hr watch at Norad

[dragonrider]

It's going great! Everyone was right in my thread, college is a blast!

Excellent! I knew you would love it!




The only bad thing has to be waking up at 6am. No one should be allowed to do ANYTHING that early.

They have 6 in the AM? I thought 6 only occured in the PM. What about the other little numbers, are those in the AM too?

[painretreat]

Hi Reb, thanks for getting back and letting us know how it went! con't the upddates! Glad it went well! :thumbsup: :hippy:

[SunnyD]

I leave Tomorrow morning for College!

I'm so psyched!

[Born To Stone]

It's going great! Everyone was right in my thread, college is a blast!

:dance:

I'm sure it doesn't hurt that I do a wake-n-bake every morning though haha.

The only bad thing has to be waking up at 6am. No one should be allowed to do ANYTHING that early. Lucky for me I only go to classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 11:50 am.

lol, last semester my earliest lecture was 1pm :D, I pray they're as kind for my 2nd year

[Innomin8E]

Stay centered (In the mind) and have reason.

[cygnustaxt]

yep it feels pretty good to be back in school, I'm surprised im saying this because I use to always hate school. I never really got into it until my sophomore year at college. Now I'm taking night classes on tuesday wednesday and thursday, everything is awesome. I go to work until 5. then i go right down the street to school until around 10 or 11. Its a pretty long day but i enjoy it so far. hope everyone else is hanging in there.

[four_two_zero]

Oh and I got my first car today :) . It's a cheapy but I'm broke. It's a Nissan, black, sporty, and the person before me added a bunch of things to it. However the person before me totally broke the cd player AND the radio so now I have to blow even more of my cash...

Fucking stress!

Nice! What model? I got 2001 Burgundy Nissan Maxima last month. lol Im starting college on Sept 15 studying Culinary Arts.


Looks like we r almost on the same boat, eh. lol

Wish me best luck!

[TheNewguy9]

hey. dont be nervous. u should be excited. they will be the funnest years of your lives. none of the freshmen really no eachother. so just party. get ur degree and smoke lots of weed.

[rebgirl420]

Nice! What model? I got 2001 Burgundy Nissan Maxima last month. lol Im starting college on Sept 15 studying Culinary Arts.


Looks like we r almost on the same boat, eh. lol

Wish me best luck!

Mines a 98' (How sad, right? haha) But the paints good (a rust spot here and thre but their small) and so is the inside. But John has a brand new Cobalt thats black and pretty so I use his and he uses mine :)