What's happening socially in institutions of higher learning? Culture says that college is the time of your life when you'll meet your best friends and future spouse! Parents and others reiterate this as teens venture out to college.  But what about when it's not? Sometimes, after all the angst and anticipation, we get to college and realize, "It just isn't what I thought it would be!" It's a WTF moment. Our guests wonder, "Did I make a mistake?" "How can I feel so alone when surrounded by so many other students?" "Am you the only one feeling this way?" Some might wonder if partying is the path to finding their tribe. A quick flip through social media shows your friends supposedly living their best lives.  In this 7 On Sundays™ episode, our guests include a male sophomore from a university on the West Coast and a female senior attending an East Coast college. Both share their stories of unmet expectations meeting a disheartened reality.  While studying her passion, Anna expected to find her best friends (i.e., bridesmaids) and future husband. Henry hoped to have "the best four years of his life." None of this is happening. How are these bright students navigating this? As we were, you might be surprised to hear how they are reframing the disappointments and charting a new course. Disclaimer: 7 On Sundays™ is for mature audiences only as we discuss topics that can be triggering. Please use caution when listening. Resources: Sober activity suggestions: https://joinmonument.com/resources/sober-activities-fun-fulfilling/   TIMESTAMP: [00:02:48] Interview with college students Henry and Anna [00:03:27] Anna's college experience, expectations, and disappointments [00:04:42] Peer comparisons and social media influence [00:08:38] Henry's expectations vs. reality in college [00:11:34] The challenge of going out sober [00:18:38] Finding like-minded friends and groups in college [00:22:18] Pressure and expectations around friendships [00:25:13] Feeling lost in college and the discrepancy between public persona and true self [00:28:35] The hidden struggles behind social media facades [00:32:32] The value of sharing, authenticity, and self-discovery [00:42:26] The importance of being comfortable alone [00:47:37] Growing through discomfort and self-discovery [00:51:03] Not fitting the mold of a typical college experience [00:55:11] Finding meaning and purpose [00:58:08] Trying to meet other’s expectations and neglecting what we already have [01:01:51] Gratitude and our own fulfilling needs