Studying for a degree I don’t want (feeling like a failure)

This video turned out quite long, chatty and I may ramble a bit but I feel that it’s my obligation (and desire) to share my perspective and experiences. Studying at university whilst balancing out other aspects of life tends to be glamourised on social media but to me, it’s a must that we discuss the less beautiful parts of it. I hope you learnt something from this video or resonate a bit with some of what I say. Share your thoughts in the comments if you’d like and I’d really appreciate it. I’m sure it’ll make me, you and others feel less alone.

I record with DJI osmo pocket 3 and edit in Final Cut Pro

timestamps:
0:00 I feel like a failure
1:30 consequences for my future
2:16 My Intentions with this video
2:39 picking up motivation for the second semester
4:03 Am I good enough? Can I handle uni?
4:47 What I can / can’t do (crushed my dreams)
5:55 Unrealistic grades I must achieve now
6:41 Why Japan?
8:00 Maybe I am not supposed to be studying
9:13 Prioritise studying, YouTube or/and social media
10:36 why I continue
11:06 succes isn’t measured in numbers
11:58 Can I spend a semester in Japan or not?
13:04 we are not alone
15:13 let’s talk about this

[katharinaschneiderr]

Let's be honest: studying at university (or any type of school) isn’t always as glamorous as it looks online. I felt it was important for me to share the messy, unfiltered side—feeling like a failure, hitting low points, and facing unexpected turns. Have you ever struggled with this feeling of uncertainty? Worries about failure or felt lost in your academic journey?

[davidoverbye]

Semi-retired academic here, pushing 70. Over my life I have been in and out of academia. Four degrees and happy memories like throwing up in the snow after taking my Ph.D. qualifying exams. The system can seem very brutal at times. I have had these kinds of conversations many times, both as a student and as a professor. Only you can chart your own path, but one thing I have observed is that people are happier and more successful when they are doing things that they are really passionate about. So when in doubt, follow your passion. I do agree with your relatives who are advising you to finish your degree. It may not seem like it yet at your age, but life is long, and the degree you earned at 22 is still with you when you are 90. As to the study abroad thing, be careful if you starting dealing with one of these private providers. Most are very legitimate and reputable, but some are not. I wish you all the best.

[Monika-wmbx]

Hey Katha, I can really feel how much this means to you, and I just wanted to say that one bad grade doesn’t define your whole journey. I know it’s frustrating, especially when it feels like it could impact your plans for Japan, but please don’t let this make you doubt your entire path. Your major seems like it could give you a solid future, and your parents are right in a way, it’s easy to dream about just travelling or doing something else, but in 10 or 20 years, having stability will matter too. I love your videos, and content creation is amazing, but it’s also very unpredictable. One day, social media could change, trends shift, and people who support you now might move on with their lives. Having a degree gives you options and security. Plus, you can still travel after you graduate—nothing is stopping you from doing a working holiday later!! You’re in such a lucky position in Denmark where you even get financial support to study, and that’s not something everyone has. Many people dream of getting an education but simply can’t afford it. I know this situation sucks, but maybe talk to your professor and see if there’s a way to improve or understand what went wrong. One grade doesn’t erase all the effort you’ve put in. You got this, girl!!! Just take a deep breath, keep going, and don’t let one setback make you throw away all the opportunities you’ve worked for<33

[jasminewei]

the uniqlo ad is EVERYTHING!!! congrats babe

[jjessicaisabelle]

From someone who failed +++ at uni (e.g. sat the same exam 4 times, held back 2 years), you sound like you did great! A pass is most people’s goal. However there is nothing like that defeating feeling!!! One thing I learnt from uni is persistance and being confident against all odds which is probably more valuable than the course content, once being on the job. It’s all part of the process. Don’t stop short of the goal. And just because something’s hard doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. Sometimes the people who struggle the most are the ones who create the most successful soloutions. You got this!

[unripemulberry]

Hey, I've been in a similar position. You'll figure out, just trust yourself and have informed hope.

I agree with you, it does seem unfair that your grades remain the same regardless of what you do. Some things in life, even though hard to accept just don't turn out the way you want them to.

I'm 25 and an undergrad. I come from a very conservative family and was forced to a course that I didn't like. After a lot of years of struggling, I chose something for myself. I still feel like a failure sometimes. Even now, when I don't get grades that are not satisfactory according to my expectations, I break down. My whole life was tied to numbers and quantifiable achievements and I'm just starting to learn to unlearn all of that.

You've got this. Something even more beautiful will come your way.

[partofmet.]

i have no words... i can't even desribe how much i needed to hear this and it's just me among thousands of people who have watched this video... i really admire your honesty, i'm sure that everything happens for a reason and you'll achieve your goals one way or another❤ good luck Katharina, you're really strong!

[georginaromani]

I never went to uni despite having the grades as I knew it wasn’t right for me. My brother went but changed course after the first year. My best friend quit after a year but has just finished an open university degree alongside her work. Uni works if it’s right for you and there are so many opportunities to learn in the workplace now. Not that it’s all about the money but I am the highest earner out of the 3 of us whilst spending a lot of time training and with family. Good on you for putting out an honest video about something many people experience.

[yasunobushiji]

Hi Katharina, this is Nobu from Japan. I'm so sorry to hear this story. I really appreciate that you are very passionate about Japan. When I was a university student, I wanted to do exchange in USA but could not apply for that program in my university because of my low GPA. I could not give up to study in USA so I tried to find some agencies to support me to do this. Eventually I was able to go and study in Phoenix, AZ for a year and could have amazing experience. I really encourage you to keep trying to find the way to go to Japan! If you need some help, I may be able to support you as Japanese. Feel free to ask me.

[maymino]

Thank you so much for sharing, this was exactly what I needed to hear. I’m graduating uni in June and I have never liked my studies, I don’t want to work in the field I’m studying, and I just feel like I’ve wasted so much time and money to not even be happy. I just want you to know that you’re not alone and we’re both going to see the world and be happy and end up exactly where we dream of ending up. Xoxo

[pietroaffonso]

This year im having my graduation in food science. If i can give you only one advice, btw two: realize what you want to do in your job, not what you like to study, the university and your work are things very distints. Another thing its learn how to learn. Read the book of barbara oakley ''Learning how to learn''

[stuartralstonn]

Hey Katha, I completely understand what you're going through right now. I got the lowest mark I've ever received for one of my first courses at university and I was really hard on myself because it wasn't up to my expectations from high school. But after recently completing my undergrad degree last year I can tell you that one grade does not define who you are. Sometimes it's unfortunately the case that there will always be courses/professors that are impossible to get a good mark because of bias or just the way the course is structured. Also, coming from an exchange semester in Copenhagen in my last semester, I can tell you that marks sometimes aren't the only factor in an application. I'm sure if you explain why studying in Japan means so much to you/your degree expectations it will be valued a lot. Don't let this mark get you down! But of course, always listen to yourself and how you're feeling, it's totally okay to change study paths in the middle of a degree; a bunch of my friends have done this as well

[peterlloyd]

First and foremost:
Katharina - You are not a failure - far from it. What you have is the ability to be honest and think about what matters for you, its your life. Never ever judge yourself purely on any academic measures - intelligence and your ability and success is measured by many many factors not purely academia.
If you change course nothing has been wasted because it's all life experience and navigating what's right for you! Grasp with both hands your thoughts and feelings and action the best directions in life for you - never ever live your life by others expectations!
Good luck!
Peter U.K.

[theelusiveshadow]

Thank you so much for sharing! These feelings are extremely common (I say that with conviction as someone who is graduating this semester for their bachelors). I remember feeling the way you did, and frankly, there are moments that I still do. But I look back at my 4 years of studies with much pride due to all the memories, friends made, and the ability to get up after many downfalls - this is what being in your 20's/uni is all about :) If anything, thank you for sharing this vulnerable moment - being sad/frustrated, just means you care deeply about your future! Keep going and your dreams will come true - sending love from Singapore

[doubletap]

One of my friends just got an internship offer for a year in Japan with normal grades during her Masters degree. She didn‘t have to put a lot of extra effort into the application. The things she needed was the interest in the field, one former work experience that didn‘t match perfectly but was enough and her bachelor thesis also helped to show her skills. And skills and experience is something you have full control over! I know it‘s not what you saw for yourself but it‘s still a great opportunity + you get money for your time there and additional work experience and Business relations what you actually said you wanted. And getting an intership there isn‘t actually harder than in your own countr, and the visa stuff is similar complicated like for a semester abroad.

[julesmicah]

Hi! I absolutely love watching your videos, especially since we're studying the same discipline! I'm currently in my last semester and working on my thesis; the pressure and anxiety to finish with good grades are off the charts! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way when something doesn't go my way..especially with academics!

In this together with you!! ♡

[RonjaRauberwald]

Thank you for this honest video! I can relate so I'm currently trying to manage my PhD at the KU and its so, so, so, so overwhelming and challenging and I often think that the biggest learning will be to stand all the frustration (and permanent criticism) and to survive this maximum of stress.... I wanted to encourage you that one learns to handle at least a part of the frustration and requirements. But I'm really sorry that this one grade has so many effects on your dream regarding Japan.... That is REALLY not fair.... All the best for you <3

[VickyAdelia-bsyu]

That sounds really frustrating Katha! The system isn't supposed to be that rigid! I'm studying too, and had the exact same experience last semester, and felt the exact same way, loss of motivation and just felt so empty in my tank. But I feel like you voiced and shared all the feelings way better than I could ever be. Thanks for sharing the mess and the chaos of uni life, sometimes it is nice to tell the story to your community for sure. I hope you will still find a way to go to Japan, but I believe - either through uni or some other ways, you will find the routes to Japan that will serve you! <3 and please keep on posting, you're already at 50K who knows where this will lead to when you're 35 and more! Life is interesting that way, and the world is your oyster! And LOVE the Uniqlo modeling thing, so cool!

[maleeshapriyanjana]

Good luck! Wish your dreams come true!

[kripjewell]

your vulnerability is a gift! seeing your vigilance and perseverance makes me think you're going to get to Japan whatever way you can, regardless of what any university says. keep your head up and keep fighting!