In December of 2023, singer Aimee Carty released “2 Days Into College,” and this relatable anthem quickly blew up on social media platforms—the song now has more than 32 million plays on Spotify. The opening, in which Carty says she’s just begun college but is already “three lectures behind,” and constantly “accidentally locking [herself] out of [her] dorm” has been reposted and remixed by many others who relate to the stressful experience of beginning college. This song, however, is not limited to the struggles of college students; it largely resonates with current high school seniors, many of whom are just four to five months away from college, trade school, or other fall plans.
This song rings loud and clear on both our stresses and hopes for the future. Carty ends the song on the note that she’s still “got time” to figure it all out; she’s only “two days into college” after all. This serves as a relevant reminder that we do not need to have everything figured out just yet—some aspects of life must be taken one day at a time. Decisions can often feel overwhelming, but we ought to be patient and mindful, knowing that we will learn and grow from our choices.
For many of us, the idea of pursuing our dreams is filled with both excitement for the future and anxiety about choosing the right path. But most adults who we consider accomplished will tell us that they didn’t know what their journey would look like at our age; their plans changed frequently before, during, and after college. In reality, many options we have–including specific careers and college environments–can provide us with similar tools that will prepare us for the future. Certainly, we should be thoughtful in our decision-making, but we need not over-emphasize every single choice.
Graduating high school, receiving application decisions, and ultimately attending college can often be stressful events, and we should acknowledge them as such. Nevertheless, they can be exciting opportunities to explore what we’re passionate about. For those of us going to college next year, we should be grateful for such a chance and—perhaps with this song on repeat—remember to not panic only two days in (or 4 months ahead).
Photo Credit: petersons.com