“You have to have your career figured out as soon as you start high school and be perfectly on your way there by high school graduation. You have to go through college straight through.” You might have heard these things from others or even from yourself. But what if you didn’t have to be what everyone else says you need to be or wants you to be? What if you didn’t even have to come close to what others are doing and instead took a detour?
Chelsea, STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Program Coordinator at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, felt plagued by perfectionism as she tried navigating college and her life as a whole. The pressure to amount to what everyone expected of her and the high expectations she had of herself caused her to self medicate with alcohol and drugs in college. This quickly turned into an addiction and a break in college. Even though the road bumps she experienced weren’t in her college plans, Chelsea has come to find great gratitude in her journey.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Chelsea joins Joanna to share her journey going from an alcoholic struggling to live a perfect life plan, to finding a whole new outlook on college and life. Chelsea’s detour from college has brought her profound insight that she now gets to share with young adults. Listen in for Chelsea’s insight on how much of an impact simply asking for help made in not only her academic journey but also within herself .
What You Will Learn
The expectation to have a career chosen by the 8th grade
How perfectionism is plaguing young people today!
Having an OCD diagnosis related to perfectionism can help provide resources for a young person
Transferring colleges without getting treatment can lead to more struggles.
Taking a break from college is okay!
When college students compare themselves to others it can drive perfectionism, and ultimately unhealthy coping skills. Life isn’t a linear line from A to B!
The importance of extended care after completing a residential treatment program
Chelsea’s experience with Georgia Tech’s Collegiate Recovery Program
Fun in Recovery is a thing! Check out what Georgia Tech is doing to connect with students around this topic!
College isn’t going anywhere! Returning to college post-treatment is okay!
The opposite of Addiction is Connection
Connect with Chelsea
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com