She Strengthens

The Elusive Dream of University Success

As a wide-eyed 17-year-old, I thought I could conquer the world – or at least, get accepted into a prestigious university. And I did, albeit barely. I should have recognized the warning signs: the relentless studying, the late acceptance letter, and the constant anxiety. But I didn’t. Instead, I reveled in my supposed triumph, gloating to my parents about my achievement.

Fast forward to the end of my first year, and reality hit me hard. I was failing most of my classes, crippled by anxiety, and desperate to escape the shame of not measuring up. My solution? Change majors without telling anyone, re-take classes in secret, and hope no one noticed. The whole ordeal revolved around secrecy, fueled by my deep-seated shame of not being good enough.

I somehow made it through the next three years, relying on sheer willpower, expensive tutors, and tears of frustration. When I finally graduated, I didn’t even attend my own ceremony. The shame lingered, and my degree now gathers dust in the back of my closet.

The Harsh Reality of University Costs

The financial burden of my university experience was staggering. Here’s a breakdown:

• Tuition: $32,800 CAD ($25,878.54 USD) over four years
• Books and course materials: $2,400 CAD ($1,893.55 USD) over four years
• Summer courses: $1,200 CAD ($946.78 USD)
• Tutors: $2,000 CAD ($1,577.96 USD)
• Total cost: Approximately $38,400 CAD ($30,296.83 USD)

Add to that a certificate course after graduation, and the total bill balloons to over $39,000.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, I’ve come to realize that attending university wasn’t the right choice for me. Here’s my advice to those considering higher education:

• Ask yourself if your desired career truly requires a university degree. If not, consider community college or alternative paths.
• Don’t choose a school based on friends; you’ll likely drift apart anyway.
• Be honest with yourself about your academic abilities. If getting accepted was a struggle, maintaining good grades will be an uphill battle.
• Weigh the financial costs carefully, including tuition, living expenses, and extras like tutors and books.
• Trust your instincts. If your gut tells you that university isn’t right for you, listen.

In the end, I don’t regret my university experience, as it taught me valuable lessons about myself and my priorities. However, I can confidently say that I shouldn’t have gone to university. If I had listened to my gut and pursued alternative paths, I might have avoided the stress, debt, and disappointment that came with it.