Ask HN: Nineteen Year Old Needing Advice

15 points

2 years ago

Hi, I’m a 19 year old from Western Europe looking for advice. I am currently studying CS in a T200 American University and I’m miserable. I came to America as I have a dream about starting a company here. I’ve started successful side projects in hs and currently make around $5k per year from them. I wanted to go straight into the industry after high school, but my parents advised me to go to college. However, I don’t like it here, and I’m asking for your advice on what I should do.

The issues I have with my situation

- My school is in a small town, and has a very small mentality. I have not met a single person who knows what they want to do with their life. I feel as if most of these people will end up working average 9-5 jobs. Even the “entrepreneur” clubs at the school do not have ambitious people.

- I have met insane people. I’ve had to cut out many “friends” as they tried taking advantage of me, didn’t respect me, or projected their insecurities onto me. Right now I have zero friends.

- The society is extremely unhealthy. Half the people here are on antidepressants or hung over every other day, and a fraction of the school eats healthy.

I’m a confident person who carries themselves well, but I hate interacting with people here. I feel like I can’t connect with anyone, and I get treated horrible by insecure men (I’m skinny and tall). I’ll be washing my hands men will treat me as if I killed their entire family. It’s even worse while I’m walking around or in the gym.

I am someone who likes to eat well and be active. I have not met someone like myself here.

Here is what I'm currently doing: - I Sleep 9h/day

- Cook 100% of my meals with plenty of vegetables and zero processed food

- Work out every other day

- Run every day

- Walk 20k steps/day

- Continue working on my side projects/maintain 4.0 gpa

I've also joined clubs, but have met immature and fake people.

I feel as if my spark and passion for programming is dying here. I haven't met anyone else who is ambitious, and I constantly have to go against the "traditional way" with everything I do.

I have thought about transferring universities. However, the courses which I’m taking don’t line up with the UC/Cal State transfer requirements. It’s also not in my best interest to go to a community college in California, due to cost and housing. I don’t think I can get accepted into Stanford either.

So, I am looking for your advice.

Should I drop out and pursue a job in sf? I have plenty of personal projects which make money and have users. I am also social, and have US citizenship. I feel as if I would be able to get a job with my current skills.

Should I go back home to Western Europe, take a gap year, and apply for colleges there?

Should I stay here? It’s insanely bad for my mental health, but I will get the degree.

Maybe something else? I have thought about applying for the theil fellowship or other programs for young adults but this isn’t something which I would consider viable.

I am interested in your advice. Thank you.

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