As happens at the beginning of any important stage, starting university is usually accompanied by expectations, concerns, plans, fears and preconceived ideas.
Between advice, other people’s experiences and what the social networksmany young people arrive with a very defined image of what university life “should” be like.
However, each experience is different and, rather than meeting rigid expectations, the important thing is to assume this stage with openness, flexibility and willingness to learn.
It also involves dismantling some myths that can generate unnecessary pressure or an unrealistic view of this experience.
To better understand how these perceptions change with experience, we spoke with university students and professionals from different areas about some myths and truths that they discovered throughout their university life.
Henry, administrative coordinator Unibe School of Medicine
Myth: “Getting good grades guarantees professional success“Because of this belief, many feel frustrated when they have a low grade. Over time, you realize that, although academic knowledge is important, soft skills, professional relationships, the ability to adapt, work as a team and constantly learn count a lot.
TRUE: It is normal to feel lost at first, change interests or doubt the chosen path. The university not only trains professionals, it also helps to know oneself and develop tools for life.
Lidia, psychologist
Myth: “You must have your future completely defined from the beginning.” The reality is that the university It is also a space to discover interests, develop skills and grow personally. Changing course does not mean failure.
TRUE: University success does not depend only on grades. The experiences, relationships, attitude and ability to adapt They also play a key role in professional and personal development.
Genesis, Marketing student
Myth: “If you are not the smartest in the class, you are not going to do well in college.” The truth is that many times what helps the most is to be constant, responsible and not give up at the first try.
TRUE: It’s okay not to have everything clear from the beginning. Many people enter college thinking one thing and end up discovering something totally different that they are more passionate about. The process is also about knowing yourself.
Victoria Álvarez, Medical Education credentials coordinator, Unibe
Myth: Little sleep is normal in university life.” False, Sleep is essential to integrate knowledge, which is key for academic performance, mental and physical health.
TRUE: Discipline, perseverance, good study habits, and resilience are more important than being a genius.
Miguel, publicist and event assistant
Myth: “If you don’t fall in love with university from the beginning, you will never like studying.” As a university student, I was eager to finish my degree, however, once I graduated, the desire to continue studying and learning awoke in me, which made me explore options such as courses and technical programs.
TRUE: Many times the most demanding teachers are the ones who add the most to you and impact your development..
College life rarely happens exactly as we imagine it, and perhaps therein lies part of its value.
“Like any transition, it will involve challenges that will test decision-making, emotional regulation and organizational capacity. It will mean facing new scenarios that will question previous beliefs and experiences; it will be a period of transformation between the teenager I thought I was and the young man I am building to become the adult I want to be,” says Michelle Lizardo, child and adolescent psychologist and director of the Dean of Students at the Iberoamerican University, Unibe.
All of this brings with it many opportunities to learn, build relationships, get to know yourself better, and begin to design an authentic professional and personal path, with clarity and purpose.
