Finding Passion Again: My Experience Taking a Semester Off
In February of 2020, I officially withdrew from all my classes and took a semester off. You could say I was lost, but that would be an understatement. Of course I knew where I was on the map, back in Pennsylvania, but I had no idea of where I was mentally, emotionally, or academically. I was beat by people telling me I wasn’t good enough and that I could not do it. I told myself these things daily. I lost all my passion for what I was studying and had no interest in pursuing that field anymore. I would sit in my room confused about life for hours. I did not want to do anything in fear of messing it up. I remember being so depressed and discouraged that I could not eat. The little food I could stomach was mostly outshine fruit bars and yogurt. I started to go to therapy to try to put back together the pieces of my life.
I started to practice mindfulness. I would focus on the present moment and things I was doing. I made small daily accomplishments. One day I put together a puzzle. The next day I colored a picture. I started to find some joy again. It was the simple things that kept me going. I started to practice mindful eating, and soon I was able to have a whole meal again. I still was lost but I was on the right path.
I would think about going back to school and what I could do. I was still unsure of my skills. but I always liked to write. I met with a faculty member that helped me navigate my new course. I knew I was about to embark on a totally different journey but I was excited. Over the course of several months I started to feel PASSION again. I was passionate about helping others but this time through writing. My passion grew every day I was away from college. I might have lost myself, but in the end, it was to find an even better version of me and a new loved passion for writing.
My advice for you is, if you start to feel lost do not wait until you are completely gone. There are so many people out there willing to help you on your journey. I know my journey would have been different if I would have reached out sooner but I am happy with where I ended up.
-Sarah Romberger
