BIG CHOICE: The 23-year-old finds it impressive that many people already know what they want to be as a 19-year-old. – It is a big choice to make at such a young age. Photo: Private
Elise Caspersen (23) is on her fourth “year off” after high school. She doesn’t feel ready to study and doesn’t know what she wants to be. It is looked down upon, she believes.
Published:
Less than 20 minutes ago
Updated just now
Elise Caspersen (23) is in her fourth “free year” after upper secondary school and feels she is looked down upon because she does not study. Caspersen likes to work, and wants to take the time to find out which field of study she wants to pursue. She has recently moved home after a lonely time in Trondheim where she felt it was difficult to make friends as she was not a student. Psychologist specialist Jørgen Sundby confirms that many young people feel a lot of pressure around higher education and to “become something”. Sundby encourages young people to spend time finding out who they are and what they want to do, and remind them that there are many paths to becoming an adult. Show more
In a few weeks, admissions for higher education will be announced. These days, many people are thinking about their studies, future and job opportunities.
“You’re starting to study in the autumn, aren’t you?” Caspersen is constantly asked about.
– Everyone expects me to start studying, there is so much pressure around that, she says.
This has led to Caspersen feeling different and outside. Even if she has a full time job.
– People take it for granted that I am a student, and then I always have to explain.
LONELY: Although the 23-year-old enjoys working, she finds it lonely and difficult to make new friends. Photo: Private
– Not ready
Caspersen says she likes to work. She would rather do that than jump into an education she is not sure she wants.
– I enjoy it, and am not ready to go back to school yet.
In recent years, she has had various jobs, in addition to two years at Folkehojskole. Along the way, she has tried to find a course that suits her.
– But when I go to Samordna recording and see everything from the songwriter line to Africa studies, I’m left with: I do not know.
Caspersen thinks it’s a shame that it’s so taboo to want to spend several years figuring out which field of study you want to follow.
– I even feel that I am seen as dumber than all the others and that people look down on me because of that.
She has felt on several occasions that she has had to defend the decision.
“But how can I know what I want to be?” the 23-year-old asks himself.
– I need a few years to figure it out, and that should be perfectly fine, she says further.
Difficult with friends
Most of my friends from my hometown moved away after high school. Caspersen tried the same.
Full of anticipation, she moved to the well-known student town of Trondheim.
– I was really looking forward to getting to know many new people and living that life in a new city.
But it didn’t turn out the way Caspersen hoped. That’s why she recently decided to move back home.
– I felt very lonely there. Since I was not a student, it was very difficult to make friends.
It has taken a long time to realize that the time in Trondheim did not turn out as she had planned.
– But in the end I just had enough, now I’m going to stay at home for a while to try and find out what I want to do next.
NEW TOWN: Caspersen is now ready for a new life in a new town, and hopes it can help her find a field of study to apply for in a few years. Photo: Private
Will “become something”
Psychologist Jørgen Sundby confirms that many young people feel a lot of pressure when it comes to higher education.
– Many people feel pressured to “become something” and especially take higher education because society values it the most.
Sundby believes it is a shame that working is not equally valued. He points out that higher education is not for everyone.
– There are many ways to become an adult, if you are in doubt it might be a good idea to try different jobs.
Furthermore, he says:
– And that doesn’t make you a loser.
– Use time
The psychologist specialist can also say that many people experience it as a defeat not to live life to the full A4.
– Arrangements are made for studies to be what you should do after upper secondary school, and going against the flow requires a lot.
He believes that in many cases this leads to a feeling of alienation and loneliness.
– But it is important to remember that you are not alone, even if it feels that way.
In conclusion, Sundby encourages everyone to do what they themselves think is meaningful and important.
– It’s okay to take it easy and spend time finding out who you are and what you want to do.
The 23-year-old wants to be open about his experience in order to reduce the taboo.
– You rarely hear talk about this, and that’s a shame.
She goes on to say that she hopes those who are in the same situation do not feel alone.
– It hurts so much to feel alone, and it helps to know that you are not.
Published:
Published: 12.07.23 at 16:41
Updated: 12.07.23 at 16:56
Copy linkCopy linkShare on FacebookShare on FacebookShare by emailShare by email
2023-07-12 14:41:45
#Elise #opts #studies #People
