BY ALEXIS SKOPOS, Tarpon Springs High

For most of us, college is only a year or two away. Being in high school, all we hear about is how we need to make the grade and be the best in order to get into an elite college.  •  Well, after this has been pounded into our heads freshman and sophomore year, the threats from counselors evolve into how difficult college is and how we will need to do this, this and this in order to succeed.  •  Take it from someone who’s in her second year of taking college classes at St. Petersburg College as a high school student: It’s not as scary as they make it seem! Here’s some information I wish I had known those first two years in high school:

You don’t need to know your major right away.
 I remember in high school the message was, “Pick your major, or you’ll go to college AND FAIL.” But the reality is, a majority don’t know their major when they arrive on campus, and early college program students often choose a major based on a class they’re required to take to get their associate’s degree. Basically, they get inspired. You don’t need to have your major elaborately planned out in order to start college.

There are tutors for every subject. For free.
Probably the coolest thing about going to SPC is the Learning Support Commons. It’s basically a big room in the library with a bunch of tutors who can help you with basically anything. They’re students just like you, so it’s not an awkward situation. Yes, as long as you’re a student, the resources are free. Many schools provide similar services.

The environment is different and people want to be there.
Almost everywhere you look there are study areas and people talking about their studies, which is inspiring. The people who go to college want to be there! Mostly because they paid a lot of money, but unlike high school the maturity level is so much higher, making it so much easier to learn and retain the information without the obnoxious background noise of irritating bored people.

The material being taught is A LOT more interesting.
Let’s be honest, in high school sometimes the juicy parts we really want to know are left out. Not so much in college. It’s so much easier to remember the material because it’s actually interesting! Also classroom visuals aren’t ponies and rainbows.

Although college is a big, scary step, don’t fear it; look forward and embrace it. It’s fun, and a heck of a lot more interesting.

Just make sure to study your butt off, and stay focused on your goal, and you’ll get that degree in no time!