College...rethinkings...

[twilightAtDawn]

I am going to college, Umass Amherst Stockbridge school, this fall, to major in retail floral design. I was accepted to the school before I chose to become a christian, and I know that it is not a religious school in particular, and that worries me.

I have a hard time dealing with large groups of people (something I'm seeking help from the lord for). When I went to the freshman orientation I had a very hard time because I knew absolutely no one. And I'm not social to begin with. But what I saw there is what's making me second guess my choice of going to a non-christian college. In fact if there were a christian college that had a good horticulture program I would transfer, but through all the colleges I've looked at Stockbrige seems to be one of the best.

I don't like putting people into categories or using stereotypes but I can't help it in this case. Most of the girls I saw that were in my major were what you would expect from a teen movie, those of popularity by wealth, clothes or not desirable attitudes towards relationships. There were very stuck up. Very self centered. And just by how they acted I can't imagine any of them being of any specific faith.

But I think the worst thing of it was that they all seemed to already know eachother because many were transfering over from the main Umass school to the Stockbridge devision. I don't look forward to being with these people. I have a hard time making friends, and from what I saw I don't think I'd want any of them as friends.

I know,that in any college campus setting I go to I will inevitably have to deal with people like this, but there were so many at orientation I'm afraid of what I'm going to be subject to when I'm put into school with the other classes, because what I saw at orientation was JUST what would be my graduating class.

I love being outside and working with plants and really do want my own flower shop someday, but I'm questioning if it's really the right thing to associate myself with bad attitudes and wrong morals, just to accomplish my goals. I keep wondering if this is really what God had in mind with my life because I really don't know.

 

[Jody7818]

Hi Twighlight,

I know exactly what you're going through because I was the same way when I was in high school. I was this way after high school as well. Don't give up on your dreams. Don't let other people keep you from following your career goals. Stick in there and give it all you got. If the other people in your class don't take the courses serious, then they will probably drop out. I've seen this happen too many times. They become bored and their grades begin to fail.

I used to care about what people thought of me. But I eventually got out of that mode and began telling myself that it didn't matter about what others thought of me. If they don't like me for who I am, then it's no sweat for me. What matters is what God thinks of me. And He knows me more than anybody. He even knows me better than what I know myself. Begin thinking in these terms and the stress will slowly go away. You may also want to consider witnessing to these people. Don't be ashamed of being persecuted for being a Christian. The Bible says that as a Christian, you will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12

You say you have a strong interest in outdoor planting? That's cool. I believe you'll do very well in your courses and your classmates will see this. They will begin to admire you for this.

You also say that you want to open your own floral business. That's neat. I've also thought about having a green house and selling plants on the side. One of the things that you'll have to develop in any business is good social skills. I believe that as time goes on, you'll become better at your social skills just as I have done. Just don't give up on your dreams.

Good luck on your studies!