What to Do When Feeling Lost

Ever feel lost with no idea what you’re doing in life? If you do, that’s completely fine because you’re definitely not the only one. Applying to Western, I was very determined with university but until you experience it for yourself, things could change.

You always hear people talking about switching programs or find out that someone beside you in the lecture hall is actually in third year. As a first year student, it can seem rather peculiar that older students are in your classes; however, after going through two and half months of university, I have started to understand why that is. Throughout their education, people begin to realize their likes and dislikes – understanding it is better for them to change course than to waste their time in a program they don’t enjoy. Before their final decision, there were probably many things that went on through their minds, such as having felt lost or uncertain with many things. This is completely normal.

It is important to know that you are not alone. I ,myself, am one of those who feel somewhat lost and uncertain of what to do in life at this very moment. I’m in a great school, surrounded by great people, yet I can’t seem to find myself. People start to talk about their ambitious futures, and that gets you thinking about your own future. Do I have an ambitious goal? Am I prepared to get out of my comfort zone and pop out of the student bubble? For me it was indistinguishable. One minute, I would feel very prepared for the future – but another minute, you feel like you know nothing about this world.

I applied to Western determined to do well in undergrad; my sights set on becoming a dentist and then an orthodontist. Despite this being my end goal, things started to make me feel lost. Becoming a dentist is not easy. Nothing is easy. You should work hard in order to achieve success, but what if you’ve tried your best and still fail? This would necessitate having a backup. Then, you consider your options: switching majors/minors, taking backup courses, or switching programs completely. After considering your options, you think to yourself:

Pause. Stop right there. It’s only your first year. You could be overreacting and things could get better.

Yes, there’s always that voice inside your head that tells you that you won’t be able to do it. Despite the negativity, you will need to overcome that voice and pursue your dreams.

That’s life, full of uncertainties and it’s the beauty of it. There are always going to be times where you’ll feel completely lost, and then times where you know what you’re doing. We are all in this together. Many others are struggling just like you. In fact, there are probably more people struggling than you might think. This is just the start. Don’t give up on your dreams, but if you decide that another path is the best option, then go follow those dreams and thrive. Step out of your comfort zone and discover the possibilities that are waiting for you.