First, kudos to you for recognizing that the path you are on is not the one for you. Sometimes that is the hardest partt!
Here are a few ideas from someone who is further along on the road:
- Seek out some help at the main campus of Penn State. There is someone in admissions who advises potential transfers and can fill in answers for some of the questions you have. You can call admissions at Penn State, ask to set up a transfer advising appointment and get some specific guidance. Bring your transcript along with you. Having someone sit down with you may change your feelings about your progress to this point and help point you toward the next steps you need to take.
- You may need some counseling or a life coach to help you figure out how to do tasks that are not appealing. Behavioral counseling works wonders! As a mom, I often have to talk myself through things using self talk like "I can do this," so I can complete necessary tasks. I also studied Zen Buddhism and the book, "Cut Wood, Carry Water," to learn about taking pleasure in completing the simplest tasks in life. Mindful meditation also helps with this.
- I have run into many uninspiring people. They seem to pop up regularly no matter which college you attend, your major or your place of employment. The challenge is to keep doing good work even in that sort of environment... and then like you are doing, figure out the next path so you can continue to grow and reach your goals.
- It is helpful to always have access to a mentor. Someone you respect who can guide you along. Once you get to your 3rd or 4th year of college, professors seem to reach out more. One professor approached me at that point and asked me to TA his classes. That made a big difference in reaching my career goals.
- Take a break and do something totally different for one year. For example, you could contact Vail Resorts and work in a resort in the western USA. They always need help during winter and summer season. You get a free ski pass with the job. Some of this work is manual labor and you can get experience in doing what is needed versus doing only what you prefer. I am sure there are many other options for this kind of employment if you start looking.
- Peers are important. Surround yourself regularly with the best people you can find.
I hope these ideas are helpful and I wish you good luck in your future endeavors. You will be surprised that it will all work out and you will look back on this time as simply the path you took to get where you need to be.