I have been through three separate programs at a local community college. I started at age 18 with a general media course, moved onto a general arts & science course, and finished with a course dedicated to social work. I dropped out twice before figuring out that social work is the one thing I'm interested in. So here's the deal for me:

I love school, but only since I've found what I'm actually interested in. The only course I have enjoyed has been social work. I loved my college too, but I only am going to get a diploma for this and my ultimate goal is a Masters in Social Work. I partied a lot, but only at the start. I'm 25 now, and I have found that my drive to party is superseded by my drive to find purpose in my life and excel in my studies.

Despite dropping out twice, I don't regret a thing. At age 18, I would have hated social work. I picked it at the right time in my life. We all change as we age, so how was I to know what was right for me then? I still don't really know what I want out of life, how was I supposed to know when I was 18? My advice, ultimately, is to be ready to learn and engage as best you can. That's it - do your best, follow your intuitions, and hopefully things will work out.