Alone in a Crowd: When College Isn't the Best Years of Your Life, Loneliness and Mental Health -Henry & Anna's Story

College isn't always the best years of your life. Students Anna and Henry share raw stories of loneliness, unmet expectations, and resilience. College expectations vs reality, loneliness in college, unmet social expectations, and student mental health are the themes of this 7 On Sundays™ episode. Culture often says college will be "the best years of your life" — the place to meet your lifelong friends, future spouse, and build unforgettable memories. But what happens when those expectations don't match reality? Our guests, Anna (a senior on the East Coast) and Henry (a sophomore on the West Coast), share their experiences of feeling isolated, disappointed, and even wondering if they made a mistake by going to college. Both struggled with the disconnect between cultural promises of college friendships and marriage prospects versus the reality of unmet expectations and loneliness. This conversation dives into the pressures of social media, the fear of missing out (FOMO), and the emotional toll of believing college should be perfect. We discuss how students question their choices, compare themselves to peers, and sometimes turn to partying in search of belonging. Most importantly, Anna and Henry explain how they reframed their disappointments, found resilience, and began charting a healthier, more authentic path through higher education. Their honesty shines a light on a rarely discussed truth: not everyone has the "best years of their life" in college — and that's okay. This episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators who want to better understand the mental health challenges, social struggles, and realities of college life beyond the stereotypes. 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