GRADUATING COLLEGE AT 25! 🎉 ~this messy process took me six years~

[@tiffanyferg]

WOOOOOOOO I cannot believe I'm finally done with college!! BYEEEE!!! hope y'all enjoy this story time about all the messy, complicated, and wonderful parts of my college experience. TIME STAMPS BELOW: 0:00 - intro 1:36 - Ana Luisa "Tiffany" earrings 2:28 - 2014, senior year of high school // first gen, low-income student 4:24 - 2014 to 2015, gap year (and applying to colleges) 7:30 - fall of 2015, freshman year at Loyola University New Orleans, film major 10:55 - fall of 2016, sophomore year at Loyola 12:11 - early 2017, studying abroad in France!! 14:47 - 2017, my transfer apps were all REJECTED 16:39 - summer of 2017 in New York 19:07 - fall 2017, moving to NY (+ more transfer apps... didn't work out) 21:40 - fall of 2018, MORE transfer apps! (CUNY colleges) 22:46 - finally transferred!! to CUNY Hunter College, media studies major 23:30 - spring 2019, start junior year at Hunter 24:12 - 2019 - 2020, finishing junior & senior year 26:21 - my final semester! winter 2020 grad! 27:50 - cheesy happy speech

[@alanal3768]

WOO TIME TO CELEBRATE!

[@planetvegan7843]

Keep rocking. 🤘

[@noel090909]

Tiffany, I started college in 2004, and just graduated in December. This was due to a number of different issues, but primarily due to my health. So I’m sure I’ll relate to a lot of this. Congrats and I second your BYEEEEE! 😂

[@marohoh]

Congrats!!! ☺️

[@lillyblue9746]

Congratulations Tiffany! 🥳 Thank you for sharing your experience with us, you have no idea how much it comforted me! I‘ve been struggling through uni for over 2 years now and my friends are almost finished with their degree and I‘m still at the beginning and it sucks to compare myself to others but we all do it anyway.. I hope I‘ll be finished by 25 too and not feel bad about it. So thank you for normalizing that everyone‘s pace is different, even if we take the same road :‘) I also wish you the best for the future✨

[@dcbeesteph]

In my opinion, I think that people shouldn't look down on those who didn't finish in 4 years. It's important that they finished and they know that they did an awesome job, no matter how long it took.

[@libbystwinfreelibby1839]

I totally agree. I am a freshman and I always get scared of not graduating in four years, but I realize this is not a race. It’s not about who finishes first, but who gains the most experience.

[@ashesrockstotaldrama]

I finished my bachelors in 3 years but it’s because I didn’t wanna spend a lot of money in school

[@bluz1864]

I'm at 5 years, I think. 3 years of engineering. Then I dropped out because I needed to work full time. 1 year of computer science and now I'm at IT. I have about a year or two more.

[@angelagarcia7093]

Who looks down? I thought it was normal. OMG, getting insecure now

[@hlynsand]

@@angelagarcia7093 it actually is. the average college student graduates in 5 years

[@elizabethbanks2074]

It took me five years, ditching an abusive boyfriend, switching school three times, and a handful of different majors, but I finally graduated this past summer. Good things come in their own time. 2022 Edit: and I’m just finishing my Masters 🎉

[@soulsunshine108]

Are you me ?? 😂

[@kamilucredic]

You're incredible. College is a struggle in of itself in terms of money, working towards a branch of work you feel confident in, etc. The last thing anyone needs while working thru all that is a partner who robs you of all your energy and willpower while claiming they actually care about you. I hope you're in a better place now.

[@cloroxbleach5687]

LETSS GOOO ELIZABETH

[@kaielyse9313]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@hazelle7319]

Thanks for sharing this. I feel like I've reached this place and I'm doing my best to come to terms with this and embrace it.

[@TeeNoir]

Congrats Tiffany this is such a huge accomplishment 🤩👩🏼‍🎓

[@tiffanyferg]

Thank you Tee!! 💞💞

[@cocoajames5]

love your content tee

[@robbytherobinson6654]

Our Queens supporting each other, is so wholesome.

[@nkk_23]

TEE OMG

[@jantaljaard835]

Congratulations!

[@alexasunshine83]

congrats Tiffany!!!!! As someone who was at Community College for like 5 years and ending up quitting, I commend you for sticking through it 👏🏼 one day I'll go back and this gives me inspiration !

[@tiffanyferg]

Thank you Alexa!! 💝

[@viricontreras2616]

Hey seeing this comment is relieving currently wanting to call it quits for good bcuz I’ve been in community college going on/off for 7/8 years or so (took 1 semester each year maybe 2 each later on can’t remember) & seeing how most ppl kept going made me feel ashamed for wanting to quit. Hope to hear for encouragement.

[@Norwaycat91]

It took me 6 years, one ADHD diagnosis, a lot of therapy for anxiety and depression, one year of sick leave, and procrastinating by finishing two one year study courses... But in November 2020 I finally handed in my master thesis on a two-year course. I'll be defending my thesis at the end of January! If I can do it, anyone can :)

[@Norwaycat91]

I forgot to start with: Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! ❤️😅

[@LisaFevral]

omg congratulations on your masters!!

[@LisaFevral]

(even though its not final, it kinda is ahaha)

[@SofiaYasmin]

OMG I'm so relieved whenever I see other people struggling with ADD/ADHD in college, I was just diagnosed too and I finally don't feel "stupid" about my procrastination habits... Wish you all the best!

[@tiffanyferg]

congratulations!!

[@gabrielleblayden6426]

if you didn’t finish your last assignment in the wee hours of the morning in a total daze... did u really do college? SO PROUD OF YOU TIFFANY!!

[@juliettemarie3255]

me: *doesn't even know you* me: *IS SO FUCKING PROUD OF YOU!!!!*

[@juliettemarie3255]

Lol no I’m a subscriber! I just meant that, like, I don’t know her personally and she doesn’t know me but I feel like a proud Mom

[@arelyandrea]

Congrats!! My boyfriend is 26 and graduating in May and he often feels like he’s the only person in the world who’s getting a bachelors degree at older than 22-23. There’s no right/wrong age to get an education and everyone has their own pace/journey!

[@Love-yp2fj]

Does it affect getting a job

[@estrellamaldonado4562]

Thank you so much I’m a first generation student and I don’t understand why they don’t mention this whatsoever

[@adriandantedanosos4146]

@@Love-yp2fj Absolutely NOT

[@tay3831]

Normalize👏college/uni👏not👏taking👏4👏years👏

[@tay3831]

I am 4 1/2 years in and only done a little more than one year of the degree I actually want and I'm 25! Why does the world tell us we have to do it so fast, without breaks, and only when we are young

[@Mondoshawn]

@@tay3831 Maybe it is already normal. I see so many people taking longer or going off the beaten paths.

[@tay3831]

@@Mondoshawn I guess normal is a subjective word

[@soccerruben1]

@@tay3831 I completed mines in 4 1/2 years as well, and I agree.

[@emilyau8023]

It's going to take me 5 yrs because advisors won't let me take the classes

[@bellephantt]

“any age is a good age” all of the wisdom and your story was so inspiring, but just taking this with me...this is everything.

[@Jess-qq5et]

27 and still haven’t graduated, you’re totally fine!!

[@abdullahrafique5526]

Can I ask why it's taking you so long? No judgement.

[@Jess-qq5et]

@@abdullahrafique5526 genuinely it’s too long and boring of a story to tell in a comment but basically, chose a major I didn’t love, changed it, started a relationship, got engaged, depression, broke up, moved home, worse depression, and finally recovery.... and then the world broke in 2020

[@abdullahrafique5526]

@@Jess-qq5et That sounds like a non-boring story. Congrats on the recovery and sorry about all the trials it took for you to get there. Also sorry about 2020 lmao.

[@janna701]

hey! just wanted to say it’s amazing you are still going for it despite everything you went through:)

[@mh-jp1qj]

I'm 27 and haven't graduated yet either. I had a similar journey to you and it's nice to hear so many people are on the same boat as me. Good luck

[@riasweeet3844]

I feel like Gap Years are so important for internal reflection.

[@RandOmneSs-n9h]

same! i really wanna take a gap year once i graduate high school to gather my thoughts and see my options on what i wanna do with my life but my mom keeps pressuring me about going to a “prestigious” university since i’ll be the first in my family to go to college since both of my parents are immigrants. i don’t know how to tell her i wanna take a break from school 😅 edit: poor spelling/grammar haha

[@naomi-art-stuff]

im taking 3 years so I can be a proper adult when I go to college lol

[@AshTanya]

Managing to graduate in a pandemic should make you feel all the more proud. This is such a tough time and you pulled through. Congrats!

[@tiffanyferg]

thank you Ash!!

[@sierrarevels6441]

my mom graduated with her bachelor's in 2018 when she was 46 and it took her about 7 years in total. It's never too late and however much time you need is just fine

[@brandonrubio6840]

thats awesome of her.

[@suzyblack8396]

dropped out of college after three semesters in 2011, returned in 2016, and this fall I will be getting my bachelor's degree at the ripe old age of 29!!! can't wait to feel how you feel in 12 months!!

[@fortunamajor7239]

This is so reassuring to hear because I'm in a similar boat, a lot of issues meant I was in and out of college from 18-23 and at 24 I'm finally on track to get my Associates in another year-ish and my Bachelor's when I'm 28. I keep feeling self-conscious about it because so many of my peers are already deep into grad school while I'm still trucking away at undergrad. It's nice to see other people who had a similar educational path to me haha

[@suzyblack8396]

@@fortunamajor7239 you got this!!!! You’re doing amazing and I’m so proud of you!!!!

[@fortunamajor7239]

@@suzyblack8396 thank you for sharing your story + the encouraging words! and congratulations on making it to the finish line :)

[@mcgonagallerys]

I'm 28 and I'm in my second year and I'm struggling so much, this is very reassuring 💖

[@suzyblack8396]

@@mcgonagallerys you got this!!! Before you know it you’ll be at the finish line!!!

[@leahallyannah]

23 and graduated with my associates but currently trying to find motivation to finish my bachelors before atleast 25 as well, attending brooklyn college. been trying to find the motivation so thank you for making this video!! great to know minds do think alike, congratulations 😊😊

[@christineawambu9303]

That’s me too lol

[@nogalistanineties9237]

23&25 is still very young so if 80 yr oldse can get they're degree then so can young adults

[@Man_in_a_Gucci_Suit]

Adderall gives motivation Not kidding I’m genuinely saying this just be careful if you get a script for it

[@nogalistanineties9237]

@@Man_in_a_Gucci_Suit I don't want any narcotics prescribed to me

[@Man_in_a_Gucci_Suit]

@@nogalistanineties9237 aight just my advice you can also try a strict keto diet for mental clarity I perform better on fats then I do carbs in the classroom and in the bedroom

[@cynicalwytch]

It really saddens me how cost-prohibitive higher education still is. Though I agree that school and academia is not for everyone, money shouldn't play against someone who *wants* to learn in a school setting that inspires them. Anyway. Congratulations on your degree but mostly for not giving up and getting there.

[@tiffanyferg]

I agree! Tuition is one thing, then with the cost of housing it can become impossible. If I hadn’t gotten lucky with KZbin these last few years, I wouldn’t have been able to work enough hours to pay my bills and balance school. I really hope we see free public college get passed soon

[@abbyhenderson9574]

@@tiffanyferg I think like you said at the beginning of the video, it's super important to let people know that there are all kinds of options to make college more affordable. I never knew there were formal interviews for merit scholarships or local programs that cover tuition and living costs for people with financial need and community involvement. I got really lucky but we really need people to make those opportunities known to prospective college students that don't know where to look.

[@fortunamajor7239]

I'm 24 and set to finish my Associates when I'm 25.5 going on 26, which means I'll be 28 by the time I finish my Bachelor's haha. We're all just tryna get through this shit. I marvel at people who are able to go straight from high school into college and just finish in 4 years (or less!) despite their issues. College is a fucking beast 😩😂

[@kaielyse9313]

It is a beast

[@alexg6182]

Congratulations, Tiffany!! I graduated with my bachelors at 20 thanks to lots of dual credit courses in HS and jumped straight into a masters. I ended up failing out 3 classes short when I was 21 because I definitely wasn’t prepared and was burned out from taking college courses since I was 15. Going fast means nothing and now I feel like a complete failure compared to my peers who took the slower route and are now doing grad school. A gentle reminder for everyone- we each make different decisions at different times and that’s okay! We are all just doing our best :)

[@MariaMartinez-qd3tc]

Hey, i hope you know that you aren't a failure. Think of this time period as the gap year which we all need at some point. You'll eventually move onto better things in life or try once again for your masters. Btw. Fellow dual enrolled student here. I took the same route as you did; but, i ended up at community college because of burn out that i dealt with during senior year. Now I'll be transferring soon to a university which I didn't move into but attended freshman orientation. (Total failure moment: getting there and then leaving) I truly hope, things get better for you and you know that you aren't a failure, just taking time for yourself

[@cherie..cherry]

I do dual enrolment since I was 13 (I’m 16 just now) and I’m so scared I’ll be like this

[@adrivoid5376]

essenza Not necessarily. Take classes that suit the pace and level of info that keeps you interested and invested. Once in college, make sure to balance easier and more difficult courses, the ‘fun’ and more major necessary ones. And just dont be hard on yourself when you need to rest or enjoy time with friends. And you dont have to continually high achieve or get the best to be successful. This all being said as a college senior who is having some burnout now, and is looking forward to graduate and take a gap year or two before considering grad school

[@MariaMartinez-qd3tc]

@@cherie..cherry I'd recommend not loosing yourself in pure studies. From time to time, allow yourself to breathe and have a fun time. Go out with friends, football games, read a whole series in a day, etc. Learn how to give yourself space

[@alexg6182]

@@MariaMartinez-qd3tc wow that is so kind, thank you! I am planning on picking it up again sometime this year, hopefully. I’m scared to email my university lol. Only 3 more classes so hopefully I can be done in a semester or two. Good luck to you! I hope you do well in the university setting. I think community college prepares students better than anything else :) I wish you the best.

[@chloekathleen1951]

I just want to say how much better this made me feel. I was “gifted” too in high school and almost only applied to prestigious schools. I had gotten a couple study abroad scholarships and had good grades, involved in everything, etc so I thought it’d be easy. I got rejected from every college except for my state schools. I didn’t receive any scholarships. I was devastated. I always thought a gap year just wasn’t for me, now I wish I’d taken one, so I “settled” on one of my state schools. In the fall I took on way more academically and socially than I could handle and felt it at the end of the semester when I failed almost every class. I was put on academic probation and became very depressed. I thought I’d do better in the spring when I changed my major from inter. Relations to media/film. I didn’t, and got diagnosed with bipolar disorder later that spring. A month from the semester’s end I dropped out of college. I thought, okay I’ll just take the next semester and figure things out. It ended up being really nice; I travelled to Canada for a film festival and had a real break from school for the first time in my life. Then I fell into another bout of depression and decided to take a second semester off. I went and volunteered at Sundance, where I felt such a rejuvenation in what I wanted to do in film. I got home-and suddenly we were in a pandemic. I struggled, like a lot of people. I had in mind though that I’d go back to school in the fall. Fall came, and it looked like school would stay online. I’d never been good at taking online classes in high school and didn’t think I would be now, so I decided to wait longer. I thought I’d just be very productive and creative and make the extra time worthwhile. Instead, I became deeply depressed again. I dwelled on all my time off and how I “hadn’t accomplished anything” or hadn’t written or made art myself in actual years or wasn’t the person my gifted high school self wanted me to be, the fact I’d never once lived not at home with my mom and sister, how I was going to get stuck in my small little town, how I’ve kept the same shitty barista job for two years, etc. It’s only been the last couple months that I’ve started to emerge from my depression and decide I want to go back to school, even though I’m having doubts every day about what the right thing to do is and whether I even need school for what I’m wanting to do-or even whether film is what I want to do. Right now I’m in the process of enrolling last minute into an online degree at a community college and thinking of an idea to move to Los Angeles to live with some friends this summer. Even though it’s my main passion, I am still having trouble creating or being productive at all. I feel confused, overwhelmed, unsure, and constantly at risk of falling into depression again. I’m not even sure I’ll have enough financial aid to attend school this semester yet and I’m already in debt. I feel like I’ve become so old-and I keep reminding myself that everyone does move at a different pace but it’s so hard to. Thank you for sharing your story-it felt good actually to write this all down even though I doubt anyone will read through it all 😂

[@lou108]

thank you for sharing! I hope that you’ll find a path that’ll make you happy eventually :)

[@starlightt4094]

Dude same!!!

[@archer_biotronica9836]

I read through all of it, I rarely comment on any online platform, but thanks a lot for sharing(it really resonated with me). Also, want to thank Tiffany too for making this video. Was very inspiring.

[@soulsunshine108]

Thanks for sharing your story too. I really resonate with it. All of us dazed and confused gifted girls... One thing about being gifted is you think deeper too, so the challenges perplex us more than they would the average person. And the whole paradigm of formal education is something we are smart enough to question. I also really struggled the first time my grades took a hit in college. It makes you feel like you don't know yourself and question your intelligence. But its just that life doesn't follow the rules or timeframe of college. It's a journey, sister !

[@emmaq3250]

I had a similar situation with being gifted / getting burnt out. My advice would be, don’t go back to school unless you really ,really want to. I dropped out of college and felt so guilty for awhile, but since I dropped out I got married, traveled a lot, got lots of good work experience, and have just experienced life in general. I think a lot of gifted kids get it drilled into their head that they are wasting their life if they don’t get a degree or do something important right after high school. Fuck that, just do you and what makes you happy.

[@maudc9284]

Reading all these comments make ma feel a lot better, literally all my friends and family shame me for being in my 4th year in a 3y course, with at least 1 more to go.

[@mariekrou6318]

You got this! Don’t let anyone shame you because you’re doing it at you’re pace!

[@amentrison2794]

The fact that you haven't given up is something you should give yourself credit for! It's going to take me 6 years to finish my 4 year degree. I personally plan on living for a long time after college, so who cares if it took an extra 2 years of my life to get to where I'm trying to go

[@julietchu7008]

I say, shame on them for making you feel bad when they should be more supportive and encouraging you. Plenty of people don't follow the "traditional" path and instead take time off to work & save money to pay for school, pursue employment, start a business, have a baby, etc. If you want it, you'll get there!

[@sierra750]

don't let anyone make you feel bad!! I'm in my fifth year in college. I may have to take one more quarter in the fall of 2021 too. you're not alone, tons of people take more than four years to graduate and it doesn't make us any less than others.

[@mondaysandtuesdays6842]

I had a customer where I used to work once shame me because she asked me about school and I said I was a 2nd year student when I was 21. She said "I needed to catch up" then proceeded to tell me about her kid's achievements, no joke. She was a nosy woman

[@belenjuarez2295]

This sounds so crazy to me that people would be stressed out to graduate at 25, I live in argentina where university is free but a college degree takes at least 5 to 6 years so 25 is a normal age for us !

[@cheekyweb8055]

It’s a long process! I’m going to graduate in 2023. School for nine years on and off. Some bumps along the road but no shame!

[@r_s8690]

Proud of you no matter what!

[@lbvg1013]

@Cheeky Web no shame girl, no shame!

[@lousunny5682]

Mad respect for continuing the journey 😩👏🏻

[@kaielyse9313]

No shame is an achievement in itself! 🏆

[@radiochu]

Congrats! I went to college for 7 years after high school, and ended up failing out because I was ignoring my untreated depression. I'm 34 now, and I'm in the process of going back to school to finally finish my degree. So, totally doesn't matter how long it takes you to finish - the only important thing is that you do, if that's what you want for your life!

[@DZENITA.]

Congrats omg! I’m hoping to graduate this May, and likewise I graduated highschool in 2014. I went in college immediately undecided for two years and then picked a IT major thinking it was best for me, it wasn’t and cause me to miss a semester due to mental health reasons.. Felt like a failure not finishing in 4 years like I was “suppose” to, but after getting help and finally taking the leap to major in what I love, i was determined to finish and I can’t wait any longer to finish these last three classes ✊🏼😫 Edit: thank you for the congrats back everyone 🥺

[@haleymist09]

Great job! In the end, all that matters is you got that PAPER!

[@teresahowick5197]

Congrats! Not a failure. I took 6 years too.

[@kamaraalya7607]

Congratulations!! What's your major?

[@DZENITA.]

@@kamaraalya7607 cinema media and arts production with concentration in design and post-production 😊

[@solsthrash2603]

So cool that you changed your major to something you love and are almost done, congrats! I graduated in 2015 and went straight to Uni to do IT too lol I was miserable and after 3 years did some accounting classes and just started doing a finance major which I enjoy way more, Im almost done with my first semester ✊

[@bykchoi]

Been following you since before you ~studied abroad in france~ and I’m so happy for you!!! Congrats!

[@tiffanyferg]

But have I mentioned that I studied abroad in France?? 🤪

[@smartlikewoah]

This is exactly me right now. I'll be turning 25 soon and i'm still at least 1 year away from graduating with my bachelors. When I graduate it would have taken me 6 years for the bachelors. I'm also starting to really regret the degree path that I chose, so I honestly feel a bit insecure about my entire college experience.

[@r_s8690]

Don't feel bad!!! Been there too but It's all worth it, all that you've learned is for your own good and even if you don't choose this path in the future, you might still need it one day. I came across the Ikigai concept today, check it out it, u might find something in it! :)

[@amentrison2794]

It's also going to take me 6 years to finish my 4 year degree! What do you think you want to do and could the degree you're working on now be of any use?

[@amentrison2794]

@@r_s8690 thanks for sharing Ikigai. I looked it up and it seems like an interesting way to figure out what to do with your life. I've been bouncing back and forth between what I would enjoy doing because I think its cool and the type of political organizing that I know needs to be done.

[@smartlikewoah]

@@amentrison2794 My degree will be a BA in Psychology. I had been undecided for a while and then chose it when I was told to pick something. I don't dislike Psych i'm just worried about job prospects after schooling. Right now i've been considering grad school for school psychology or going into a program for ultrasound and sonography. Im also thinking of taking a year off after getting my bachelors to teach english in another country.

[@smartlikewoah]

@@r_s8690 Funny that you mention ikigai because I found a video on that a week ago and was considering watching it. I put it in my playlist for later but now i'll definitely try it out!

[@stuffedtoylover]

current high school senior and i can't explain the amount of hope that this video gives me

[@andreina3251]

me too 🤧

[@jsvdvp98]

22 yo here and I'm starting my degree in an online uni. Because I needed to work to pay for uni and social anxiety I think I missing most of the ✨college experience✨ but I'm proud of having finnished my first semester.

[@solsthrash2603]

I am 23 and also almost done with my first semester (have two more exams this month), we can do it ✊ we are coming for those degrees 😁

[@kerrylui7932]

Congrats! You should be so proud of yourself 😊

[@starlightt4094]

Congrats!!

[@jsvdvp98]

@@solsthrash2603 Good luck with your finals! We can get through it! 🙌

[@solsthrash2603]

@@jsvdvp98 thank you, you too! I actually had a really tough law exam yesterday and my professor wrote me an email saying that I passed, Im so proud of myself 😁

[@courtreezy]

im so so happy for you! congratulations tiffany!!! and during a pandemic???? YOU DID THAT GIRL

[@jasminelambert3753]

Honestly college is so hard and kind of a scam, but I’m glad I’m doing it

[@leahsfieldnotes]

Congratulations!!!! 🥳 ✨

[@elizabethrose1852]

Dude I’m 27 and I’m in my third year of Uni. I feel you on the whole “feeling stupid” I’ve always felt like with everything career wise, maturity wise and other....wise I’ve been behind but honestly, yes everyone has a different path and none of those paths are wrong. Even if I don’t end up at my dream job until I’m in my late thirties or so at least I’ll get there, better than nothing. Congrats and good luck! 🥳

[@kaielyse9313]

Yes!

[@hazelle7319]

I'm also 27 and I'm on my third year. Due to the pandeminc and life stuff I got delayed. It's been discouraging but I'm doing my best to push through.

[@lyserberg]

Kudos to you for sticking the landing even after the hell that was 2020. Queen shit.

[@MrBaskins2010]

This video truly means a lot to me, I could never thank you enough. I’ve always felt isolated and embraced because it took me 5.5 years to get my Bachelor’s. It’s nice to see that I’m not alone in this experience and it’s increasingly common nationally

[@tiffanyferg]

Yes it’s very common! I’m glad this helped ❤️❤️

[@ninimeggie4771]

Study abroad actually ended up being the cheapest semester of my college experience!! Because I didn't have to pay room and board at my home university (5k per semester) I only had to pay for the flight and the homestay in the country I went to. Plus all my books for study abroad cost a total of about $40 versus an average of $300-700 when I was at my home university. I ended up saving $2,500 from my study abroad compared to if I had stayed at my home school for the extra semester.

[@kittusim8520]

Where did you go to study?

[@ninimeggie4771]

@@kittusim8520 a liberal arts school in Ohio. And then Argentina for study abroad

[@tiffanyferg]

That’s amazing! My program was an exchange so I still had to pay my full tuition (plus housing) at my home university for the semester. I could have enrolled directly with the French university and probably spent less than $1000 on tuition lmao 😅

[@kari500]

I'm 25 and have one more class left for my bachelors. It took me this amount because my anxiety and depression got soo bad. It was physically affecting me, to the point that I was physically sick and had to go to emergency. I had to drop classes a lot. But I'm proud of myself, it was tough, has been tough. Working full time, going to school full time, dealing with these issues on my own honestly and finding motivation from where there was none for even life itself. Just imagine motivating yourself to care about a project, when you don't even care if you're alive or not; It's difficult lol I'm SO proud of you, it's so hard, people don't understand, I've given up explaining to people. You are amazing and not alone. Congrats and much love!!! 🤗♥️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎓🎓

[@margaretdiaz6043]

you don't understand how reassuring this was to me omg ahh I can't believe I'm crying but I took a gap year from my first school due to mental heal reasons I didn't expect my gap year to last two years and now I'm applying to cuny too for the same reason you said to just graduate and get it done with but I have to defer my acceptance to next semester due to owing money to my first school and I also feel 'slow" since I'm expected to graduate probably when Im 25 and that to me is so scary for the same reasons you said where I feel like I'm getting too old to be this behind even though I know that's stupid thank you so much for making this video it really means so much

[@tiffanyferg]

You’ve got this!! ❤️❤️

[@margaretdiaz6043]

@@tiffanyferg Thank you! Your channel was the highlight of my year

[@Victoriaheartsmusic]

Yayyyy. I just finished my bachelors degree in august I’m 26. It was such a relief to be done. As much as I know it’s an accomplishment I still sometimes feel disappointed in myself that I was unable to follow the plan I set for myself when I was 18.

[@annafaryniarz1233]

Congratulations! I also graduated this year at 25 (transferred 4 times, took me 6 yrs). Honestly I’m glad I graduated when I was “older”. I don’t think I’d be as mature or ready at 21/22.

[@sydneeeeeeeeeey]

I’m also graduating this year after six years in undergrad and I used to feel so, so insecure about “wasting” tuition in college by taking too long to graduate and figure out the right major for me. I’m so glad I took all the time I needed, though. Congrats to the class of 2021!!! 🥳 If you’re in a similar boat, please please don’t let anybody or anything make you feel inferior for taking a non-traditional path. You are exactly where you’re “supposed” to be.

[@ijwashere]

I wish the expectation that you start university immediately and then get your first degree within 3-4 years would fall away. Since going to university I learnt through my own and my friends' experiences that university and young adulthood is full of mistakes and learning curves. IT'S MESSY!!!

[@NOCLUEinvalid]

Yeah. I’m a senior in college and I really didn’t expect how messy adult life would be. High school me would’ve never thought that I would be taking time off in the middle and graduating in 5 years instead of 4 in the middle of the pandemic. I thought everyone else was/is doing better than me but the more I talk to people, the more I realize how messy adult life is.

[@emilykennedy4628]

I found you from that rejected from every college video, subscribed way back then, and have watched almost all of your vids since. Watching you recount all your experiences since then in this video threw me back so hard. I'm so proud of you for getting through it all!!!

[@tiffanyferg]

Thank you for sticking around!! 💗💗

[@WinterWind]

If people can't swing study abroad at the time there is always travel post grad. Suddenly when you have a full time income and annual leave allowances it becomes a lot easier to do stuff that felt impossible during college. You also have the benefit of less stress with no classes to do and potentially a higher standard of living while you're travelling

[@TiffanyLee]

All true statements but it’s also a different experience studying in a foreign country for a semester! You learn more about the culture and language

[@WinterWind]

@@TiffanyLee yeah it's just people don't need to get caught up in thinking they absolutely have to do it in their college years or else it won't ever happen. There is hope. There are also a lot of opportunities especially in Europe to study for free or cheap which would be a similar experience at a fraction of the cost as you're not paying home university tuition

[@TiffanyLee]

@@WinterWind lol I went to nyu and my semester abroad was way cheaper than being in ny 🤦🏻‍♀️ but I totally agree that you shouldn’t get hung up on it. Fancier travel is nice with adult money

[@WinterWind]

@@TiffanyLee fair point lol

[@heatherr55655]

Thank you for your honesty!!! Congrats!!! The struggle for people who grow up low income (myself included) is intense. The choice fatigue, the lack of money, lack of opportunity, information, I feel it forces us to make rash decisions and cope with taking on huge debts.... I feel being educated on what that means before would have been so helpful.

[@BillyShepherd-dn9pz]

Your concerns about debt is (part of) why I'm doing community college (AA-T, associate's with transfer).

[@teresamunoz91]

Congrats! College is hard, I graduated high school in 2009 and didn't get my bachelor's degree until 2017 at age 26. Cant wait to see whats next for you!

[@lilamasand5425]

I'm almost 23 and I have at least 3 more years to go for my comp sci degree plus hopefully a french minor (fingers crossed I can get it in that time) and this made me feel a lot better about my weird college path, thank you

[@CS0509]

Stay strong!! I felt the same because all my school friends went to work after three years and there I was, still had to study two seemingly endless years! Now I’m almost done. I’m in the last semester. I wish the best for your three years! ❤️

[@jooeunjun]

I feel like these stories are what college students need to hear. I am in a situation similar to you, and watching this video is so relieving and comforting. I guess we just need to remind ourselves that this is the oldest we have been in our lives, but it is also the youngest we will be. Let's take a deep breath and have more confidence in ourselves.

[@UnfilteredMay]

omg i’m one of those people who remember your journey through this and i’m literally so happy for you!!! :D

[@CarrieDayton]

Congrats, my friend!!! ✨💗

[@tiffanyferg]

Thank you Carrie!! 💞💞

[@ximenamaldonadomayans655]

You give me so much hope, I’m 20 and waiting for college decisions after taking 2 gap years, it’s so frustrating sometimes because my educational route is not traditional and nobody around me really understands what I’m going through to give me advice

[@hazelle7319]

That's a really good point to make. I'm currently in a similar situation. I'm frustrated because I know that I'm also not doing college in a traditional way where I finish in four years. I've been working on my associates for three years now and the pandemic didn't help because I got delayed. It was difficult learning from home and the class being offered was limited. I just hate that it feels like my life is hanging on a thread when I know deep down I'm not doing anything wrong and I'm doing my best to do well with school.

[@annaradcliffe]

Congratulations Tiffany on sticking it out! I also took 6 years to graduate (2008-2014) and I really, really wish that I'd felt free to just quit and do something else. It was like this infinite marathon I was running just because... I didn't know what else to do? I didn't start thinking about my own well-being and aspirations until after I'd graduated and taken a few years to recover myself emotionally. Maybe that's just how everybody's twenties go, but if anybody reading this is feeling hopeless and lost, just know that you're allowed to do what you want. You're the only boss of your life, and your happiness matters. College will always be there, and you can learn just as much if not more doing other (much cheaper) things.

[@elelonger4409]

I love this. I had to take 3 years out as i had serious mental health issues but now i am 22 and doing extremely well doing. I am in 2nd year and doing chemistry at university. But never compare yourself guys ❤️❤️

[@yegra]

I feel so reassured now. I was dealing with a lot of depression and anxiety and failed about three classes and with the way things are (I'm schooling in a public university in Nigeria) I'll probably spend more than five years (I'm studying law which is a five year course). I just want to work hard and let the universe run its course.

[@isabelgannon]

Congrats on graduating!! I'm glad you're talking about this, it's taken me longer than I would've liked to finish school because of some health challenges. I hope you're proud of yourself :)

[@Christina-tu6ft]

Came here to say the same thing! It also took my 6 years and health challenges prolonged that.

[@athenajaxon2397]

Same here! Would've finished like two semesters earlier if it weren't for my health problems but oh well

[@MarianaCervantes]

I’ll be graduating with my BA in Psychology this coming semester. (I’ll be 27). I wouldn’t change it for the world though because I got to have other experiences like becoming a professional singer in the in between.

[@ayeshag1176]

It is actually so comforting to hear your story of being a first gen college student and being confused and having trouble navigating it bc it was the same way for me. Sometimes I still wonder how things would be if I had someone to actually help me. Congrats on getting that bachelor’s!!

[@joemacy2776]

I was almost 27 when I graduated college. It took me eight years to graduate with a four-year degree. I only went part-time as going full-time wasn't really realistic for me for certain reasons. I finished my GED in September 2014, and then I enrolled at my local community college in January 2015. I then continued to take classes part-time at my community college until December 2017 when I finished my associates. I then transferred to a local university starting January 2018. I continued to attend that school at that university until March 2020 when classes went remote due to the pandemic. I then took a gap year due to remote classes until I returned in September 2021. I then continued to attend until December 2022 when I finally finished my bachelors. I then got to attend my in person graduation ceremony recently in June 2023. It has been a long and difficult road for me, and I definitely took a little longer than I would have liked to finish my degree, but I did technically finish, so I guess that's what counts. I also had a very difficult time socializing and making friends due to my autism. Getting a college degree as an autistic adult is definitely a challenge, but I didn't let that stop me from trying to pursue it. I also had some failed classes along the way which threw me off a little, but I never quit.

[@meriamf]

I'm so happy to hear that you've finally graduated! congrats tiffany!!

[@snailsrhere6008]

congrats!!! i didn’t decide to go to college until i was 25 - best decision i made was to wait. everyone’s path is different ☺️

[@Theoriginalotaku96]

Honestly I think 25 is a good age to start college rather than 18. It gives you more time to find yourself and what you wanna do.

[@rfnjnjh7103]

I graduated at 24 and it also took me 6 years. So I kinda relate to your situation

[@Theoriginalotaku96]

Same! I just graduated last spring. I remember thinking I was too old to be here but now I miss it lol.

[@rfnjnjh7103]

@@Theoriginalotaku96 I missed college at first but now I don't. I graduated in 2019 and each month all those memories become less and less bright, as if it never happened. I don't know why.

[@Theoriginalotaku96]

@@rfnjnjh7103 yeah that makes sense. It's definitely a big transition from being a student to being in the workforce.

[@keirajenner8310]

Just want to let you know, that I went to college once at the age of 17 then dropped out because I did like the major I was studying. Backstory: I went to the major because I was stupid and I wanted to please my family. Dropped out at the age of 19, and got a job for 2 years. Now starting college again at the age of 21, therefore I will graduate at the same age as you. Just want to let you know that you are not alone. And yes, I feel like I'm more mature and ready for college right now. I do feel old because lots of my classmates are 17, 18, 19. Also, I moved from an East Asia country to North Ireland. I'm actually applying to a school in England, finger cross :)

[@beepboop4937]

it's been a month since you commented this but good luck!! i hope you get in!!

[@user-ts6bi4ye2m]

I really needed this. Congrats ! I failed a class recently and it’s put me behind a year of graduating. I won’t graduate with my bachelors til i’m around 25 same age as you. Glad to know i’m not alone. I see all my friends posting grad pics right now and i’m not even close to it. We all go at our own paces and life happens which happened to me hence why i failed. My mental health was bad and i couldn’t focus. Getting it under control now. I think at the end of the day we all make it doesn’t matter if it’s longer than others !

[@vvjqm]

"being 25 is not old" girl i really needed to hear this thank u i'm dealing w some similar stuff and omg thats frustrating this video is hella necessary (and congrats ♥)

[@nogalistanineties9237]

Ikr that's still super young and I'm under 25

[@estetz]

As a current fifth year senior who also went through the disaster that is transferring from a private to a public university (and doing the Disney college program as a freshman) , I really needed to hear this story. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing and CONGRATULATIONS!! 💜💜💜

[@IntroVids]

This honestly gives me so much comfort to hear. As someone who's also a first-gen, no one prepared or spoke to me about preparing for college. I'm in the last months of my senior year and only now have kind of an idea of what I'm doing. No one told me of the amount of prepping you have to do for college. The college list, scholarships, test scores, etc. Heck, I didn't even know what the ACT or SAT test was until last year. I've decided I'm going to go to community college first and plan my college and career future at the same time. Luckily I know I can do this and I did work hard all throughout high school to earn a 4.0 GPA. Thanks for the video, really inspirational.

[@JMSayler]

Gurl i graduated with my bachelors at age 27 after going to college for 7.5 years straight and I have NO REGRETS. Everyones life ebbs and flows differently!

[@uef0h]

hi tiffany!! i’m 25 and also graduated from hunter college which, surprise surprise, ALSO took me 6 years as a media studies major!! i know this video is over 3 years old now since i’m a 2024 grad now but just wanted to say that i’ve kept looking back at this video to encourage myself to finish my bachelors and i also just wanna thank you for making this video!!

[@riotgrrrl8807]

I think it's ok to make a thought through decision about your location partly based on your partner's. Feminism doesn't mean interhuman connections aren't valuable. And some people just need the proximity to their partner more than others, and they're not inferior for knowing themselves to be that way. The important thing is just that both people in the relationship compromise and not just one of them. I stayed in my home town mainly because of my boyfriend, eventhough I was accepted at every university, and I haven't regretted it once. We had our 5 year anniversary last Christmas❤

[@avrilfan123]

it's so refreshing to see someone talk about graduating college at a slightly older age than most undergrads and taking different paths. thank you for making this video

[@phoenixgirl70]

Everyone pursuing your education: Be PROUD of yourself! We all hit obstacles which can be financial, physical or mental health, not sure about your major/career path...when you finish doesn’t matter! Somethings that may seem like disasters can turn out to be blessings in disguise. Some people don’t start their college education until their 30’s, 40’s and up! Never put yourself down because your journey took or may take longer. You don’t need to explain to anyone! Much love to you all💝

[@micagarcia2642]

i’m your age and i’ve also felt the same way, like i’m too old to be graduating this year. but then i think about all the work and effort i’ve put into my studies, i remember how big of an accomplishment it is, and how much i love what i do, and it’s all worth it!

[@rachelorrebecca7338]

Wow this is truly such a gem. You're so right about the last point, how 25 isn't even old. I'm 23 and already feel old too haha and "feeling behind" because I changed my major three times and struggled after my transfer from community college. I still feel like a bit of a disappointment sometimes, especially because my sister graduated insanely fast (done with her bachelor's at 20), while I still don't really know what I want to do. I really wish I'd taken a gap year like you. Having said that, I've learned so much about myself in the last three years and higher education certainly has its perks. Hearing your journey has made me feel a lot less alone. Thank you, truly.

[@miranda266]

I'm 21 (soon to be 22) and just finished my freshman year at community college. Thank you for this video. :) I could not afford to go to college right away, despite getting into my dream school, so I worked a few years instead. I now work full time while trying to be a full time student and it is really, really hard. I appreciate this video and I am so happy for you.

[@tonitalks]

it’s really nice to see a successful youtuber talking about college 💛 congrats Tiffany!!!🤩🥳🎉

[@tchpicbu]

Girl, I also am a low-income first generation college student. I joined the military to pay for school!! Imagine my surprise when I realized my financial aid package would have covered me just fine 😭 I totally agree that’s it’s so hard to figure all these benefits and scholarships when you’re the first in the family!

[@citlallimtnz2729]

Damn that sucks but I hope you used the extra income of your military school benefits

[@purplerose1411]

I relate to this so much! I’m 23, turning 24 in October, and still have not completed my bachelors degree yet. However I am graduating in December!! 🥳 But congratulations Tiffany, so happy for you! 💕🥳

[@HTKDblackbelt]

Omg I could’ve written this myself! My birthday is October 17th and I’ll be graduating in December too! Congratulations!! 🥳

[@sierra750]

oh my god at certain points it sounds like you are describing my life. It feels a lot more comforting to know I wasn't the only one to make these "mistakes" (which weren't really mistakes, just decisions that didn't turn out how I expected and became really important learning opportunities). Sometimes when I'm frustrated I think "ugh I wish I wouldn't have made those dumb decisions in my late teenage years!" but honestly who knows if I would be where I am now, with a really good job and a really wonderful partner. So I wouldn't change any of it.

[@ChryslerPTCruiser]

Congrats Tiffany!! Coming from a Canadian perspective, its really sad to see how much tuition costs impede talented students' ability to succeed. So happy that you managed to get through!

[@anaghasastry5183]

I dont think you will see this, but the very first video I saw of yours was the "rejected by all colleges" video and to just see how much your channel has grown since then has been so nice!! It is a glimmer of hope and reassurance that no matter what, things will get better❤! Congrats Tiffany!

[@hidansektas]

im about to graduate with a masters degree in mechanical engineering soon and im so sad im gonna miss my university so much. my life got completely turned around by everything that happened. it cured my anxiety and depression im happier than i ever was in my life and my professors are so kind. im gonna miss it so much. i never repeated any classes and im graduating "on time" as they say

[@russshh]

sounds like a wonderful experience. is phd not an option for you? there's scholarships and stuff, well depending on where you live in the world i guess.

[@hidansektas]

@@russshh oh we have frrr education here so that wouldn't be an issue. The thing im going to start a job soon so i really have to think about it. My mentor (a professor thst basically helps me with my master's thesis) suggested me to get a PhD. I have to see if id be able to have time for it all👀 but legit id recommend my uni to everyone. The kindness and the knowledge i got just makes me want to cry because i was so traumatised from the teachers in high school

[@russshh]

@@hidansektas ahh okay, yeah phd is pretty much a full-time job in itself. you can always leave that option open and apply later on in your life I guess. good luck with your job! :) yeah it is amazing how much our teachers and professors can have an influence on us,good or bad

[@李Li翎菲Lingfei]

Hi tiffany. I’m an undergraduate from China and I want to tell you are my favorite KZbin! Your videos connect to me a lot. After watching this I really admire your courage to go through all of this. Yes being 25is not old and I wish you the best for many years ahead of you!!!

[@karolinak7140]

And here I am, in the first year of med school which takes 6 years after one year of studying psychology

[@emiluhh]

My husband is your age and just graduated with his bachelor's. He's a first gen college student too. Congrats!!

[@nikibronson133]

Congratulations! This video actually has been really helpful because I'm 21 and this should be my final semester but I think I'm looking at another year and I was feeling really ashamed of that but now I realize it's just like a business model and as long as you finish that's the important part

[@anitadelucia22]

It's so nice that no matter where you live (I'm from Italy) college makes you think the same thoughts like "I feel old", "I feel slow" and all that kind of stuff and then realizing that it's all bullshit! Congratulations Tiffany!

[@catherinepietsch1362]

How embarrassing is it to only finish ones ASSOCIATES at 26 as I’m going to? Lol. But thank you for this and the encouraging words, I definitely relate to a lot of this

[@jaimemelendez4347]

I'm 28 and barely transferring to a university so I get your pain lol but we got this!! 😊

[@ellenko2684]

I'm in the same boat! Will finish my associates at 26 and going to univeristy after. If it wasnt for my life experiences, I wouldn't be here now excited to pursue the career that I truly want. Good luck to you ❤

[@fortunamajor7239]

I'M IN THE SAME BOATTTT 24 gonna finish an AAS when I'm closer to 26

[@soccerchick9841]

It’s not embarrassing at all. I am 25, I graduate in Fall of 2022. It’s taken me a long time to do this, but I have been through a lot. I am excited to do it. It’s not about when you begin, it’s how you finish.

[@tiffanyferg]

No it’s amazing! The great thing about getting your associate’s is that you’re guaranteed to start at junior level whenever you transfer, instead of messing around with credits transferring individually. Cheers to your journey, you’ve got this! 💝

[@jacepayne8883]

I really appreciated this! I was kicked put at 18 and amidst dealing with homelessness, mental health issues,etc..I haven't progressed on par with my peers. Im 21 now and hoping I can keep my shit together well enough to go back to school soon. This video was a great reminder that I still have time, and my life won't always be what it is rn. Much love and congrats on graduating!!

[@sierraxsea]

Congratulations!!! 🥳🥳🥳 I’m right there with you. I’m 25, first gen and I just graduated with my bachelors in December! I’m glad I waited and was able to mature.

[@YukaAkemi]

I wholeheartedly emphasize with the bitter feeling of wishing I made better decisions and planning for college, Due to personal circumstances, I went straight to a college that my parents picked for me and realized it wasn’t what I wanted at all, had my worst mental break downs in my life, and that’s when I decided to transferred schools to one that *I* wanted which was a huge feat for me, I’ll admit it was a sting to my ego that I wouldn’t finish college in 4 years, that I’d lag behind from all my friends my age that went straight to the college they wanted. Listening to your own struggle with the college journey, i feel more forgiving of myself for the choices or mistakes I made in the past, Your determination to finish college against all odds is very inspiring and gives me hope

[@chasejohnson3645]

Congrats!! I'm taking this semester off for medical reasons, and I've been dealing with self-esteem issues because of it. Stories like yours help me realize that there is no normal route to getting your degree. Thank you so much for sharing

[@josiebyrd7957]

Hi Chase! I’m actually taking a semester off as well due to mental health. I was meant to graduate at 23 after spending an extra semester at community college, but my dad died and I was sexually assaulted within the same year, and it really caused me to have some major breakdowns so I received a temporary medical leave. However, now I will get my bachelors a few months after turning 24. I plan on getting into grad school immediately but I won’t graduate with my masters until 26, which means I won’t start my career until 26. I feel very behind and I have dealt with self-esteem issues as well. Makes me regret taking the semester off but at the time I honestly couldn’t return with how I was mentally.

[@User-hg1jk]

@@josiebyrd7957 I’m so happy for you to finally get that degree you want Josie. Regardless of your age I think anyone would feel the same

[@jeninarvaezmelo656]

As a fellow first gen and low income student, I CONGRATULATE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. College is SO HARD without the right resources and I am so proud of people like us who fight tooth and nail for our degree. A degree isn't 100% necessary for success but it sure is for me. So proud of you, girl!!

[@nicoleshan6410]

Congratulations, Tiffany!!!!👸🏻💐 It's great to know that someone recognizes the effort someone puts while in college. I actually took a gap year after my freshman high school because I felt so incompetent for doing anything...it took five years to finish high school. 🤯 Now I am studying my last semester to get my Bachelor's Degree in Sciences in Education with a focus on Management and Resolution of Conflicts at an online university. 💖

[@Ghostfrogdraws]

As someone who will also be graduating college when I turn 25, thanks for being so open through your college journey. It’s nice to know Im not alone.

[@okestperson6016]

I’m a sophomore in college right now and really getting to that point where I have no idea what I’m doing. Pandemic, no social life, depression, medication, failing classes, losing my scholarship, not sure if I like my major. I’ll probably be taking a semester off next fall to work and apply for nursing school but I don’t know if I’ll even get in or how long I’ll be out of school. Not even sure I’ll be able to make it through this semester

[@abbyhenderson9574]

I hope you're able to figure it out and that you get to a better place. I'm in my first year of nursing school right now and I have tons of doubts, but I know the career is what I want. It's probably going to be easier to switch majors into nursing since there will be more spots and nursing school is a lot of work. Above all make sure you're valuing your mental health as a #1 priority. It's a hard time and we all have to take extra good care of ourselves.

[@okestperson6016]

@@abbyhenderson9574 thanks. I’ve been working with a therapist so my mental health is much better than it was a few months ago. I heard from someone in my classes that the chances to get into nursing school have been pretty good lately. I guess it’s up to 50% at my school now but idk how long that will last. It’s probably bc of the pandemic

[@abbyhenderson9574]

@@okestperson6016 That's a fantastic acceptance rate! If you want it, you should go for it!

[@_archiekiins]

I'm 20 and I might be starting college over again for 4 years this fall and not gonna lie, the idea I might be 24/25 when I'll be done has been daunting. Watching this video has really given me courage to just go ahead and not doubt myself. Thank you so much.

[@julieclancy9493]

i’m starting as a freshman at 20 😌i also came from a low income family and i wish i had been told that you can get jobs with non stem majors 😌☺️

[@roselynholloway7863]

What did you study

[@NormalGirlize]

I’m almost done my second bachelors degree and honestly your podcast and you being open about your college journey has helped me deal with a lot of the shame I felt because of how long it’s taking me. So thank you Tiffany and congrats!