Is community college ok? Is NO college ok? Gap years? Straight into work?
Am I ok?


Blanket answer: YES.

You. Are. Ok. Wherever you are right now, whatever path you'll take in the next few years is 100% ok. There's such a stigma surrounding kids not going to a four year straight out of high school, which is toxic and ridiculous. It results in this huge pressure on families and teachers, but mostly the students working their butts off for something they're not even sure about; something they're being sold on without even really knowing what's going on first. SO much stress over something that is NOT the make-or-break of your life.
If you don't know what you want to do or who you want to be, that's 100% fine. Gap years exist for self-discovery. Community colleges are there as opportunities to expand and grow. You do not need to know everything about yourself as a 17/18 year old high school graduate. You don't. You won't, and that's ok. Whatever path you're on right now is YOUR path, no one else's and you have the freedom to take any path you choose. There're no right or wrong. You're ok.



What if I don't like the school I'm in? What do I do?

Pinpoint the reasons you don't like it. The student demographic? The lack of stimulating classes? Not your style, too many trees? Figure that out and then use the qualities you don't like in a school to find one you do. Talk to your advisers about transferring and what the credit policies are. Think about doing a semester abroad for a change in pace and scenery. Maybe a gap year for self-discovery. Again, it's all perfectly ok.
:)