Spring Break is coming up and you know what that means: a blessed break from schoolwork and a tropical vacation destination. Or, if you’re like me, that tropical vacation destination is more like your hometown for the week. While being at home is great, it’s the first time anyone has seen me since I left in January, which leads them to ask LOTS of questions about my future. After all, graduation is only a few months away. I’m happy to answer questions, but to all well-meaning friends, family, and acquaintances, PLEASE stop asking me (and other fellow fourth years) these ten questions.
1. Are you ready for graduation?
Let me just answer this one once and for all. Yes, I am ready to graduate. I've been in school since I was 5 and I'm tired of the homework. Yes, it's weird thinking about moving on, but it's time to do so.
2. What are you doing after graduation?
I don't know. I. Don't. Know. Yes, I have a plan, but no, I have no idea when it'll come into play. I'm too busy trying to get all of my homework done right now to think about 3 months from now!
3. Are you going to miss UVA?
Of course I will! UVA and Charlottesville have been my home for the last four years, and I've loved getting the chance to make this city a place where I belong. However, I'm also ready for all of the new opportunities awaiting me after graduation.
4. What are you going to miss the most about UVA?
Um, everything? Frankly, it's impossible to sum up everything I'm going to miss in a short and sweet answer. Plus, I'm not ready to leave everything behind just yet! Ask me in a year or so, I'm sure I'll have an answer for you by then.
5. When are you going to come back and visit?
You can take visit to mean UVA or your parents at home, but however you take it, this question is a pain. Obviously some time, but I barely know what the next 3 months will hold, let alone anything after then.
6. Are you going to miss your friends?
Yes. Plain and simple, yes. I am beyond excited for them and all of their adventures, but I'll miss them all living within walking distance from me. But I still have 3 months with them, so let's not think about this until later, or, you know, never.
7. Are you sad your friends are leaving you?
This one goes out to all of my grad school friends who also aren't ready to think about anyone leaving them! Of course they're sad, but everyone is still around right now, so this is a problem for future them to think about.
8. Do you think you made the most of your college career?
All I can say here is yikes. We'd all like to think we did, but please don't remind us that there's more we could've done. Trust me, we know, we're aware, but we chose how we wanted our college careers to look, and hopefully, we're all happy with how they turned out. I know I am.
9. How’s the job search going?
Whether or not the search is going well, I hate this question. No one likes to be reminded that on top of homework, jobs, clubs, and other activities I'm also supposed to be thinking about the near future. It's even worse if you haven't started or it's not going well. Can we talk about something else? Please?
10. Are you ready for the “real world?”
Considering that I've been living in the "real world" since I was born, I'd say yes, I'm ready. Oh, I get what you mean about the "real world," don't worry about that. I simply like to think that I'm somewhat prepared. And if I'm not? Well, guess that'll be a trial and error process for me.
To reiterate, I'm so glad people are interested in what's going on in my life and what it looks like moving forward. So, instead of asking these questions, ask me about my goals for the future or what I want to have done by the time I graduate. It's easier to think in the short term and it forces me to change my rote, cliche answers.
