Listen to your heart

During the high school college process, many of us are conditioned to believe that the school we commit to is the one we must graduate from. For me, this is not the case.

If you’re rejected from your dream school, have a horrible freshman year, or just feel plain unhappy where you’re at transferring might be a wonderful option for you to consider.

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I graduated from high school in 2016 and began attending UC Santa Barbara to major in Art that fall. At 17, I thought I’d be happy at that school, but I turned out to be wrong. And that’s okay.

I dealt with a lot of the normal adjustments freshman experience like homesickness and boredom in my classes. Beyond these typical issues I realized that I wasn’t in an environment where I could be my best self, my truest self, and that scared me.

College is a place to explore your identity and figure out what you’re passionate about. It’s the time in your life where you shouldn’t stick with the status quo but fight against it. It’s the time to take risks in order to make yourself as happy as possible.

I had to take a risk and make the choice to withdraw from UC Santa Barbara.

This was one of the best decisions of my life.

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Once I was home, I took the time to figure out what it was I wanted (this is by no means a quick and easy process). I began a year-long certificate program in Children’s Book Writing at UC San Diego. While completing this program I flew out to New York to tour The New School. With all of the knowledge I acquired about myself at UC Santa Barbara I was confident that transferring to The New School would be perfect for me.

I applied, I was accepted, and the rest is history. I am now enrolled in courses that spark my interest where I can share my creativity with my peers while also having the flexibility to travel, create art, and continue to explore my own identity as a young adult.

Everyone’s path is different. But if there is any lesson I’ve learned that is universally applicable it’s that you have to do what’s right for you, without guilt. Believe in your ability to make the right choices and own them. It’s an amazing thing to be in touch with your own intentions.

If you’re considering transferring, I’d say go for it!

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Begin by talking to your parents, professors, and any college counselors at your current university or previous high school (they’ll be happy to help you!).

If you’re curious to read more about my experience with education check out these blog posts:

• School Grind
• School Grind II
• What It's Really Like To Earn Your Degree Online

If you have any questions about transferring feel free to contact me here

Want to see more from Annie?

I am a full time creative living in Southern California. I spend my days painting, working at an Art Gallery, illustrating and writing children’s books, blogging, and studying online at The New School.

I love going on hikes, drinking tea, reading books, daily journaling, and spending time in the sun (I am a solar powered human). I am an advocate for feminism, inclusivity, and the environment.

My greatest passion is collaborating with other artists from around the globe to help promote those who would not otherwise have a platform to be seen/heard. I am a dreamer, I am introspective, and I am ambitious. If you’re interested in seeing more of me and my work feel free to check out my Instagram and Blog.