Finding Comfort In The Discomfort: A College Perspective
Starting college is something many teens dream about — the excitement of a new chapter, a new environment, new people. But what happens when that dream comes with a heavy dose of uncertainty? As I embarked on my journey to Flagler College in Saint Augustine, I found myself caught in the middle of excitement and doubt. Was this the right decision? Would I ever feel at home here? Would I feel grounded in this unfamiliar space?
Leaving behind the comfort of home, my family (my mom, dad, brother, and boyfriend), and my church community at St. Luke’s UMC Orlando was much harder than I imagined. The praise team at my church has always been my happy place. Singing has grounded me and helped me tune out the chaos of life. It’s been my way of processing the world, and stepping away from that rhythm felt like losing a part of myself. As the move-in day drew closer, my excitement mixed with waves of homesickness. The thought of leaving everything familiar behind was daunting.
Once I arrived, though, I was met with a strange feeling — the excitement of starting something new, coupled with a sense of being lost in a new world. My dorm room became my first project, a blank canvas to fill with things that reminded me of home. Little by little, as I decorated, it started to feel like my space. But settling into a physical space was just the beginning. I was still unsure if I’d ever feel like I truly belonged here.
What I’ve learned so far is that comfort doesn’t always come immediately. It’s something that you have to build slowly, brick by brick. And sometimes, discomfort is the very thing that pushes you to grow. I remember reconnecting with a friend from my first two years of high school — someone I hadn’t spoken to in years. To our surprise, not only were we both at Flagler, but we were also living in the same dorm! This reconnection brought back a sense of familiarity and reminded me that sometimes, unexpected opportunities arise when you’re willing to embrace the unknown.
College has pushed me to try new things, even when I wasn’t sure if they’d work out. I’ve joined clubs and explored different communities. It hasn’t always been easy, and there are still days when I miss home deeply, but I’ve come to realize that I now have two homes. Both Flagler and Orlando hold special places in my heart, each offering amazing opportunities and people I treasure.
One of the most profound insights I’ve gained came from my first-year seminar professor, who spoke about the concept of being in the “liminal phase.” It’s that in-between space — the time after you’ve left one chapter behind, but before you’ve fully stepped into the next. College, he said, is a rite of passage, and it’s okay to feel unsteady. It’s during this time that we gain confidence, not only in ourselves but in those around us. We build community, step by step, and that sense of connection helps us face the future with strength.
Looking back, I realize that finding comfort in discomfort isn’t about avoiding the hard parts of life. It’s about leaning into them, trusting that through the uncertainty, something beautiful will emerge. I may not have all the answers yet, and I’m still navigating this new chapter, but I’m learning that I am capable of facing whatever comes next. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me, no matter where life takes me.
