Why College Students Often Feel Anxious About the Future

Maggie Chuang 

English Writing I 

May10, 2025

Why College Students Often Feel Anxious About the Future

     Many college students experience anxiety and confusion when facing the turning point of graduation. This sense of unease often traps them in a mindset of self-limitation. In reality, much of the anxiety we feel is self-created. The following are three common examples that illustrate how this anxiety arises in our minds.

     First is the tendency to compare. Students often hear that someone has already secured a position at a prestigious company, while they themselves have yet to find a clear path. This invisible comparison can make one feel left behind, leading to self-doubt and anxiety.

     Second is the fear of stepping out of the comfort zone. Seeing peers participate in internships, competitions, or international exchange programs, one might hesitate to take the first step. This reluctance can cause missed opportunities that could have changed the course of one’s life.

     Lastly, many are constrained by self-imposed limits. People often believe that they must pursue a career related to their major, making it difficult to find a balance between professional expertise and personal interests. However, as Professor Bing-Cheng Yeh pointed out in his speech, there are many opportunities to combine passion with profession—opportunities we may simply be unaware of because we haven’t explored them.

     In conclusion, anxiety doesn’t necessarily stem from the external world, but from our internal fears and insecurities. Rather than being stuck in endless worry, we should focus on self-discovery, broadening our horizons, and taking bold steps forward. Only then can we truly embrace a future full of endless possibilities.