The quarter life crisis of WSU students

It’s been said that some adults may experience mid-life crises. They will make drastic changes like splurge on expensive vehicles or quit their jobs. However, the decisions students make in college can directly impact the trajectory of the rest of their lives, and this stress can trigger self-evaluation of the existential sort. So is it possible to experience a so-called “quarter-life crisis?”

“Most definitely. I’m pretty sure that the amount of stress I have experienced can, by definition, be called a crisis,” said psychology major, Feven Berhane. “‘What is my future career?’ I think that is the ultimate question that causes a quarter-life crisis.”

Berhane originally wanted to become a doctor, just as her parents insisted. She took the MCAT and got accepted into medical school.

However, after realizing a passion for counseling. She decided to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology instead. Her family was distraught, and their doubts caused Berhane to question herself.

“Your sense of peace is directly connected to who you are,” said Berhane, “Your future career and what you devote yourself to, is a big part of who you are.”

When asked to describe what her quarter-life crisis felt like, Berhane recalls feeling consumed with fear and doubt. She made decisions based on anxiety rather than logic and genuine desire. Her worries became so great that they would preoccupy her thought process throughout the day.

“How to overcome it: stay true to your heart and who you are. Don’t be overwhelmed and don’t get bogged down with thinking about what you’re going to do for the next five years. You don’t need to figure that out. Just start with today and then it will start to work itself out,” said Berhane.

Psychology major, Aaron Wienczak had a close friend who underwent a quarter-life crisis. According to Wienczak, they abandoned their medical track for communications after struggling to keep their grades up and stressing out.

“They just cracked under pressure and realized they couldn’t really handle the stress of doing what they thought they wanted to do. They didn’t seem very passionate about what they wanted to do in the future. Switching to something that suited them better got them out of their rut,” said Wienczak.

Wienczak said that their friend’s quarter-life crisis allowed them to transform. Both realized that what they wanted to do wasn’t for them, and it helped them recognize where they needed to be.

Accounting major, Malina Chindris, believes that a person can experience a revolutionary crisis regardless of their age. Chindris said that if you’re questioning everything in your life, a quarter-life crisis may be necessary.

“To me, it’s when you’re at that point when you realize you need to get your stuff together,” said Chindris, “People get to points in their lives where they’re like, ‘Is this really worth it? Do I want this job? I’m not really happy.’ That’s when they finally realize they need to change something.”

http://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/features/article_5e348ace-8386-11e5-b8ee-3bd034679d04.html?mode=story