As a senior in college, I look at my last three years in school and see nothing but blood, sweat and tears. I've worked really hard, and like all other seniors in college, I'm more than ready to graduate. I look towards this upcoming year with fear, excitement and A little sadness, as a chapter of my life will be ending soon. I’ll have to say goodbye to my friends and to the wonderful memories I’ve made with them. I’ll have to say goodbye to the all nighters I’ve pulled in order to ace that exam.
I’ll have to say goodbye to that one spot in our student center where I napped those few times. And I’ll have to say goodbye to the old me as I grow into a full-fledged adult, which is truly the scariest part. Going into my last year of school, I’ll be holding onto the words below, because I know they are what every senior in college will ever need to hear.
1. Never stop fighting to make your dreams come true.
"Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something, not even me. Alright? You dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period." – Chris Gardner, "The Pursuit of Happiness"
This quote reminded me of my own dreams and how I've put them off because they seemed too far out of my reach. With graduation coming up soon, I have this amazing opportunity to start a new chapter in my life anywhere doing absolutely anything (depending on how hard I work and how lucky I am) is possible. If you really want something you shouldn't let anyone, or even yourself, tell you that you shouldn't fight for your dream.
2. Don't be afraid to keep trying.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."- Thomas Edison
This quote sums up just about everyone's college experience. Whether it's changing your major, career goals, retaking a class or whatever else, we've all come to a point where nothing is going right or working out well. That doesn't mean you've failed. You've just discovered that you may have to take another route to get where you want, which is totally ok.
3. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
"Do, or do not. There is no try."-Yoda
If you’re going to go after something, you’ve got to go full throttle. If you half-ass something, you will never succeed. Put yourself out there and fight for what you want, no matter what that is. If you want that internship, put in the work for it, don’t just bet on getting lucky. If you want to ask out that guy in your chemistry lab, do it. Don’t just try. Because there is the possibility of being told no, but at least you’ll know you worked your hardest for it.
4. Treasure the time you have with your friends.
"You have been my friends. That in itself is a tremendous thing." - E.B. White
I’ll miss my friends more than anything. I am who I am because of my friends, and without them I wouldn’t have been able to truly find myself. I’ve gone through the past few years finding new friends and leaving others behind. For the ones that have absolutely stayed in my life, you have stayed for a reason. You give your best to me and I can only hope you’d say the same about me. Late nights, early mornings and everything in between, my friends have stayed with me through it all. I couldn’t have been more blessed to have you in my life. You are certainly tremendous, I will never forget the times we’ve had together.
5. Don't miss out on the good life that is out there.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." – Ferris Bueller
I've come across how many opportunities to travel for (almost) free. Most of the time I told myself it was out of the question because of school. Not to say that school isn't important, but this is the one time in your life where you can maybe afford to take that trip or spend that time out at the bars with your friends. Never regret spending money or traveling if it meant you had a good time, because next year you probably won’t have the opportunity to take a road trip and crash on your friend’s futon in their dorm, just to see a different city. Once graduation rolls around, you may have a degree, but you won’t have the memories that show you really made the most out of your four years.
