When I first arrived at college, I felt as though I had been admitted into a completely different world. The classrooms were different, the expectations were different, and even though I had studied English before, speaking and writing it every single day felt like a constant challenge. As an international student, everything, from how people made friends to how professors graded papers, was new. There was this quiet pressure I put on myself: to figure everything out quickly, to find a job like others were doing, and to prove I belonged here. But deep down, I knew I was not ready to take it all on at once. So I made a decision I was initially nervous about: I decided not to work during my first semester.
Instead, I focused on adjusting. I permitted myself to breathe, to observe, to learn. I spent time understanding how classes worked, managing deadlines, and knowing when to ask for help. And even though I did not have a job yet, I did not just sit still. I joined clubs, attended events, and volunteered at school activities, slowly finding my place.
Those experiences, connecting with people, being part of something, and learning outside the classroom, helped me grow in ways I did not expect. They gave me confidence, built my communication skills, and helped me feel part of the community. When I finally felt ready and applied for a job the following semester, I received two offers at once. And I genuinely believe the way I spent that first semester helped me get there.
So, if you are an incoming freshman feeling the pressure to do everything right away, or if you do not get a job immediately, please know: it is okay. Everyone’s journey is different. Sometimes, giving yourself time is the most responsible and powerful thing you can do.
You are not behind. You are preparing. Trust your pace.
Sushmita Khadka, a rising junior concentrating in Social and Behavioral Sciences, serves as a Social Media and Product Manager at the Career Development Office, supporting initiatives that enhance student engagement and career resources.
