Ask Isa: "I feel ashamed for taking so long to complete community college."

From the Ask Isa inbox:

Dear Isa,

I've been attending community college for 2 years and I am still no where near close to getting my A.A. I've changed majors a few times. 

I feel like I should be a lot farther then I am right now. After two years I've finally figured out what it is I want to major in. 

Is it normal to feel ashamed that I've been in a community college longer than I should've. Do you have any advice for me??

Sincerely,

Ashamed

Dear Ashamed,

It's totally normal to feel frustrated at not graduating as soon as you would have liked, but there's really NOTHING to be ashamed of!!! 

You are still in college and THAT is what is important. Congratulations! Seriously. You're still going and that says a lot about you.

I'm so happy to hear you've finally found what you want to major in. Keep going and try to go full time as much as possible so that you can start to move forward and transfer on to get your bachelor's degree. It doesn't matter how long it takes. 

I knew one amazing woman who took 10 years to get her AA and Bachelor's degree (she was single mom) and was accepted into a Harvard leadership program.

Your effort and dedication are what counts, not how long or how fast you get your degree.

Keep it up and enjoy your classes. If you have any other questions along the way feel free to reach out. Good luck!!!

Sincerely,

Isa

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How to deal when you start comparing yourself to other people

Have you ever met someone who made you feel inferior? 

Not because they were mean or were trying to make you feel this way, but because you saw how awesome they were, and then that little voice inside your head said "You're not as awesome as that....what are you doing with your life? You basically suck."

I'm an avid believer in multiple intelligences, that we all have our own beautiful talents and abilities to contribute, and that comparing ourselves to others only hinders that talent from being developed. 

Usually when I meet awesome people their greatness inspires me to keep going. They make me feel like it's possible. They make me excited that people like them exist, and I feel grateful to be in their presence. 

But once in a while, I get that inferior feeling. Once in a while, I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. Once in a while, I wonder if my dreams are stupid. 

So what gets me out of this sludgy awful feeling? 

Lots of ice cream.

Just kidding.... ;)

I watched a video from Dove recently when I was feeling like this and it touched me (video below). 

The video shows that we often see ourselves differently than others see us, and while they're referring to outer beauty, I think it provides a good metaphor for your inner beauty.

You'd be surprised: while your inner dialogue is telling you you're inferior, the person you're talking to is probably feeling the same way after meeting you.

There's no one else like you. 

Whenever you're feeling down, remember this: there's a bat-signal the shape of your face beaming in the sky. A call only you can answer - no one else. So go for it (capes are optional, but highly recommended).

And if no one has told you yet today, let me be the first: You are awesome. You are going to be able to accomplish more than you can imagine if you keep working this hard. And...you are going to rock your exams this week and next!