From one senior to another, I understand the questions, thoughts, mental and emotion roller coaster you may be going through. As the weather gets warmer, graduation creeps closer and the next chapter of your life isn't too far away. Whether the words graduation, real world, interview, job and grad school may cause your skin to crawl or excite you, just remember every other senior is going through it with you.
1. It's okay if you don't have your life mapped out.
From the minute you leave the grounds of the place you called home for the past 4 years, it is perfectly acceptable and normal to not have an exact plan. You may have to go back to that summer job for a little during interviews and you may have to go back to living with your parents for don't for one bit assume you failed. If you're aiming and working towards a goal that you really want, then it is okay to take more time to prepare and plan for what is next.
2. Don't stop learning just because you received your diploma.
If you don't decide to go on to grad school or if you do, know that there is still so much to learn outside of the assigned textbook. Your education won't ever stop. Pick up a book, surf the internet and ask those around you any question you may wonder. Gain knowledge even if it is for leisure. You can never be too wise so never stop trying to better yourself.
3. A roller coaster of emotions is what you should be feeling.
You're human, emotions happen to us. Excited and terrified means that you're on the right path to the next open door. Nervous and confident, content with what is to come but afraid of feeling nostalgic with what you have now is a part of the transition. Look around, the people you are going to be graduating with are transitioning too. All the mixed emotions that are taking over without your authority is ruling them too. Embrace it and trust that these emotions are a sign that everything you could have possibly received at school is ready to be put to use.
4. You're sad to leave for a reason.
The bit of you that is sad to say goodbye shows how much happiness you've experienced at college. Being upset couldn't be a better gift to yourself. You found a home, a family and lived through the most chaotic, exciting, hilarious, comforting times that you probably never imagined would happen in a place that was once so foreign to you. For anytime you think back to college, you won't be able to hide that smile and for that, you should be forever grateful.
5. Your friends will be with you for the next chapter while you meet even friendlier faces.
They say you meet your lifelong friends in college and while that is true and so comforting, there are still so many people out there who are going to change you. It is not that you will lose the soulmates you have found, but your friendships will grow if you work to keep them as beautiful as they are now. However, just like high school to college, there are friendships that haven't even blossomed and some of them will change you the most. Hold on to what you have but leave room for others to walk in and help you become a better person, while you help them too.
6. This isn't the peak of your life.
While all the memories that come with college seem to have the most freedom and be the most fun, life still has so many adventures ahead of you. It'll be different, but it will still be great (if not better). Things are going to get harder as that is a given, but as things get harder and you overcome the obstacles, you will feel more proud and stronger than you have ever before. Let this change happen and be ready to put in work to see great results. The peak of your life awaits you.
7. Better things are to come that you can't get from college.
You'll get more sleep, more time to exercise, be able to eat healthier and you aren't forced to go out every weekend to drink, which all in itself will make you feel so much better, physically. Aside from how your body feels in that existence, you'll eventually find a job that will financially help you out, allowing you to spend money on where you want to because you earned it. You'll hear more voices and see life in a different way- this is good. Different perspectives can only make you a more wise and appreciative.
8. Eventually, you won't want to go back.
In order to grow, you have to go go forward. Staying in college won't help that, even mentally. When you begin to think independently you will discover so much in the real world that you could never find in the bubble of college. Once you beat the hard times, going back won't cross your mind (unless it is for alumni weekend which is totally accepted once or twice.)
9. You're going to have to try out to find out.
Don't walk off campus expecting to know how to handle the adult life. Yes, you're already an adult but to becoming an expert takes patience and practice. If you don't know what you're doing, good, you're exactly where you should be. There is a high chance you're going to be uncertain for different factors all throughout life, take it as it comes. Like I said earlier, your education never stops.
10. The cliche "all good things come to an end" applies right now.
You knew college was eventually going to end and no matter how long you joke around about putting off the real world, it is just around the corner. This is the time to accept it and embrace it. Be ready, be nervous, be excited. The student who you were 4 years ago isn't who you are today and for that, you should be so proud. Take all that you have learned and experienced and use it to your advantage. These 4 years were important and special, carry them with you. Leave your safety zone with a clear mind that college came to an end because you're ready to take for everything that is to come.
