Okay, okay I know what you are thinking. Fall quarter still has two weeks left and I am already being a sad, sentimental senior who goes through her old photos from freshman year and cries from laughing so hard. But hey, can you blame me? I am sure we all can relate to the fact that we are not the same person that we were freshman year. We made some mistakes. We learned from them (or not). And yet, we still made it to the final year.
Thus, without further ado, whether you are just as sentimental as me or can care less about graduating, here are ten feelings I believe all seniors go through on the rollercoaster of emotions that is senior year.
1. Nostalgia
Whether it is passing by your old dorm where there were many late night runs and Beyonce dance sessions or having a class in your first lecture hall ever, it is hard to not get nostalgic as a senior. This is the very place where you stepped out of your comfort zone and excelled. It is the place where you had a break down at YRL because you got an exam grade back. It is also the place where you completely nailed an exam. Thus, as a senior, you come to view campus in a new perspective as you realize each day is closer to your last. So, invite the nostalgia in and enjoy the ride.
2. Freak out
The adult world is approaching faster than we would like. As much as we convince ourselves that we are ready, I do not think you can accurately prepare for such a drastic change. It is only natural we would have a breakdown at least once a week and contemplate why life sucks sometimes. When that happens, just know that although life may suck, it also has a weird way of working out. So, keep being determined and following your passions. It will pay off.
3. Sadness
Similar to freaking out, it is natural to cry in your apartment living room randomly. I mean when will you ever live with your best friends again? When will you ever get to lay on your apartments kitchen floor after a night out? When will you ever get to do midnight McDonald runs with your roommates? Brb crying.
4. I'm over it
After a long ass day of interning, working, and finishing up three homework assignments, the last thing you want to do is do more school. Especially now that you have come to the realization that LinkedIn will start to take over your life.Try to remember that while it is stressful, you are extremely blessed to have this life. Oh, and breathe.
5. Jealousy
Of all the freshman just beginning their college journey. Can I go back for just one day, please?
6. Excitement
It is SENIOR YEAR! It is officially the last year of going on a party bus on a Monday night and spending the night in Powell library. It is the last year to sit in the student section at games. It is the last year to not have class on Fridays. So, get excited about entering your last year and for an amazing future ahead.
7. Idgaf
We have all been there. Senioritis makes it hard to do pretty much anything school related. However, the beauty of being a senior is that you come to realize how much effort you really need to put in. Fifty pages of reading? More like skimming to me.
8. Pumped
I swear that every night out now becomes a celebration of senior year. Monday night drinks? Sure, it is senior year. Taco Tuesday? Sure it's senior year. Go out and have some fun. Be young! Live it up! Let's go!
9. Enjoyment
While college is all about growing academically, it is very much still a process of growing socially. Whether you find enjoyment in staying in or going out, take that time to surround yourself with the people you enjoy. Trust me, you will miss coming home from a long day and having a million vent sessions with your roommates.
10. Reflection
Reflect upon those times that made you laugh till you cried. Those times where you considered dropping out but didn't. Those times that made you rethink your entire life path. In reflecting, we can come to see how much we have changed and grown as individuals. It reminds us we have gone through a lot and survived. A little reflection is bound to happen, especially when the future is so undecided.
Overall, as fall quarter comes to a close, it is starting to get real that I only have twenty weeks left at this amazing university I am so blessed to attend. If you are as sentimental as I am, I hope this article gives you the push you need to live up your senior year the best way you know how. And while school is still immensely important, you will remember the memories, not the papers. Happy senior year!