Stressed Teens Applying for College and University
- Jan 2, 2018
- 8 min read
Estée Lauder once said: "I never dreamt of success. I worked for it."
I believe this wise statement best applies to us teens out there who are stressed out and eager to apply to colleges and universities. We are all on the same page and need to work hard so that we are able to do what we love instead of dream that the success we all want will just magically appear in the palms of our hands. I can say without hesitation that I'm so scared and I've been trying to avoid this topic for as long as possible. However, it can't be avoided forever. Now the time has come to face my fear and eventually, with hope and courage, persevere to accomplish it.
Change isn't an easy thing. Partially why I'm so hesitant and discouraged to discuss the topic of graduating and leaving high school is because I'm scared to move on to this new chapter in my life. Growing up isn't an easy thing either. Getting into 'the real world' as all adults say is something that I didn't think would come at me so quickly. This blog post was inspired by my friend who posted on her Snapchat a video of her working on her artwork for her university portfolio. Us senior students are all on the same boat and we will get through this together. I decided to ask five of my friends five questions about this stressful time...
1. What advice do you have for people experiencing a mind/creative block?
My advice for people with a creative block, is to write or make art from a place of personal experience. You don't have to come up with personal experiences, and the emotions you feel from these experiences are real and easy to describe. So go off of that.
2. What do you do to keep calm during this stressful time?
To keep calm during this stressful time, I remember that everything will eventually work out the way it's supposed to. That I will look back at this time and realize that I didn't have to be so stressed, and to just work hard and everything will come easy.
3. What tips do you have for people who don't think they're good/talented enough?
To people who don't think they're good enough, my advice is to remember that you have a talent within you, that with enough practice and hard work will eventually come out. You might not recognize your talent, but it is obvious in your work, in a unique way.
4. How long does it or did it take you to create one piece for your portfolio? (or a requirement you prepared needed for your program)
I'm not applying to an arts program, but my program requires an application. Putting my experience into works is tough, and may take a few hours per section, in order to say how my volunteer experiences will help me for teaching.
5. if you get into the program you want, what is it? and what do you hope to achieve/ get out of it in the future?
The program I want to get into is the concurrent education program at York University, in the English faculty. If I get into this program, after I graduate I hope to gather information from these experiences to make me understand the way people learn and make me a good educator (hopefully). After I graduate I hope to teach high school, and use the experiences in this program to inspire kids to learn.
1. What advice do you have for people experiencing a mind/creative block?
Don't beat yourself up about it because it's a common thing, and don't be afraid to take breaks and to regroup with your ideas.
2. What do you do to keep calm during this stressful time?
I always remember to do things that I enjoy whether it is listening to music or getting involved with other things that are capable of keeping me happy and inspiring me.
3. What tips do you have for people who don't think they're good/talented enough?
Talent is subjective, if you believe that you are not good enough, put yourself in a position where you can be good enough. people who try are good enough because at least they are trying.
4. How long does it or did it take you to create one piece for your portfolio? (or a requirement you prepared needed for your program)
I'm not creating a portfolio, but I'm preparing an audition piece. I wanna say it took me about a month. with all the revisions and the constant changes being made. The piece I choose is very diverse and it’s a development of the character as I thought it would show my best abilities as an actor.
5. if you get into the program you want, what is it? and what do you hope to achieve/ get out of it in the future?
I hope to be accepted into a performance based program whether it be musical theatre or classical acting performance. I love performing and both forms hold a special place in my heart. My end goal with this program just like any program is to take more then I went in with obviously, but to also gain connections and learn the way of the industry.
1. What advice do you have for people experiencing a mind/creative block?
I can’t speak for everyone however, whenever I’m feeling a creative block I write down every idea that comes to my head no matter how stupid, and when I run out of ideas I try and build on the ones that I wrote down and develop them into something good.
2. What do you do to keep calm during this stressful time?
I try to get as much sleep and stay as hydrated as possible to decrease my stress and if that doesn’t work I’ll listen to music or watch a show to distract myself.
3. What tips do you have for people who don't think they're good/talented enough?
Who cares! There’s always going to be someone better and that’s okay! We’re all unique in our own ways and bring something different to the table so even if you might be doubtful of your skills, you should always still try and push yourself to reach your best potential.
4. How long does it or did it take you to create one piece for your portfolio? (or a requirement you prepared needed for your program)
I've been using all my time to work on my portfolio and to be honest, I haven't completed anything in full since I'm such a perfectionist. So, I can't really say how long it will take to finish one piece.
5. if you get into the program you want, what is it? and what do you hope to achieve/ get out of it in the future?
I'm hoping to get into either media studies or a film career. I'd love to work in film and television however, if that does not work out I'd still be more than happy to work in media - journalism, public relations, radio, or any other aspects similar to those.
1. What advice do you have for people experiencing a mind/creative block?
My advice for people who have a mind block creatively speaking is to leave your work when you have many ideas for your piece. When you put off a piece that you have had a lack of ideas for, you won’t be motivated to continue it. Writing down your ideas can also help you complete a piece that you are proud of.
2. What do you do to keep calm during this stressful time?
To be very honest, it is hard for me to keep calm sometimes knowing that what happens this year can dictate my future. However, despite all the stress, one of my ways to keep calm is to drink tea or coffee and just relax. Sometimes I reflect on the positive things in my life, or i watch a couple YouTube videos that help me calm down. In terms of workload, I make sure to keep a note on my MacBook of all the assignments I have to do, and test dates. It helps me stay organized, especially when I am participating in extra curricular activities.
3. What tips do you have for people who don't think they're good/talented enough?
For anyone who doesnt think that they are talented or good enough, it is good to remember that practice makes perfect. Not everyone is a lead in the first play they perform in. Sometimes we are let down by our inabilities to live up to everyone else’s standards, when it’s really about living up to your own. Speaking from personal experience, I can honestly say that I regret not auditioning for both RAP (regional arts program) dance and drama. I severely doubted myself and my abilities, which made me believe that I only belonged in drama. Bottom line, doubting yourself doesn't get you anywhere. Believing in yourself is the first step to getting better at something.
4. How long does it or did it take you to create one piece for your portfolio? (or a requirement you prepared needed for your program)
I'm not applying to any university programs that require a portfolio, however I have friends that are and I have heard how stressful it is. I must say, it is quite impressive to see their works of art. their pieces are awesome and I can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future.
5. if you get into the program you want, what is it? and what do you hope to achieve/ get out of it in the future?
I’m applying to university for business management/commerce at Ryerson, York University and University of Toronto. Ideally, I would love to go to Ryerson because I love the atmosphere of the downtown area, and my mom is an alumni! I hope to get many new experiences out of university. It’s a time and place to really find yourself without feeling like you will be judged. It’s a new beginning that I can honestly say I'm really excited for. I'm hoping that my program takes me into a company such as Google, or even Sephora, where I can have a job in something I enjoy. Overall, I want to get a good experience and hopefully a good head on my shoulders after university.
1. What advice do you have for people experiencing a mind/creative block?
Don’t stress creative blocks are always temporary, leave whatever you're working on, do something to take your mind off of it, and try it again later.
2. What do you do to keep calm during this stressful time?
I make sure my environment is stress free and quiet and try to focus always keeping a snack and coffee close by.
3. What tips do you have for people who don't think they're good/talented enough?
Try, you never know until you try to do something. Then you can determine if you are good at something or not. You don’t have to be good at something to enjoy doing it.
4. How long does it or did it take you to create one piece for your portfolio? (or a requirement you prepared needed for your program)
It depends on what it is I am doing for the particular piece, a lot of my stuff has been pictures so it won’t take me too long.
5. if you get into the program you want, what is it? and what do you hope to achieve/ get out of it in the future?
Hopefully it will be something to do with Journalism, Theater or film.. I am not too sure yet specifically what to study. I hope to be able to make an impact on the industry and peoples lives even if it is in the slightest way by covering a story or putting on a production differently.
Special thanks to my awesome friends Francesca Ceresoli, Christian Schepis, Elisa Ammaturo, Arianna Cacciotti, and Daniela Buggea for taking time to be interviewed, and answer these questions.
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