In the past seven days, I went to my brother's high school graduation in Ocean City, Maryland, during senior week or beach week, for all of the high school students who just graduated. I realized a few things in the past week, namely, that I'm old. My senior year of high school was three years ago. Seeing all of those seniors anxious and about to conquer the next phase of their lives, listening to all of the motivational, "You can change the world," speeches at graduation made me get nostalgic. Sitting in those graduation chairs, wearing the cap and gown, felt like eons ago. And don't even get me started on what it was like to be at the beach during senior week.
Here are five signs that you know you're an old college student.
1. The scope girl comes up to you on the beach and her first line to get you to buy pictures is, "You guys here for senior week?"
Yes, this did happen to my friend and I. Yes, the scopes girl did just talk to us the day before on the beach and didn't remember us, but that's beside the point. The fact that she asked us if we were seniors, and my reaction was, no, that was three years ago, is what scared me.
2. When three boys (because high school seniors are boys) yell to you and your friend as you're walking on the beach, "Senior week?" And give you a nod.
No, I'm sorry, little boy. We are not here for those seven days of partying after graduation. We are simply here on a nice, relaxing, beach vacation, thank you.
3. When you and your friends are sitting on the balcony at the beach having a casual night in and see "sweekers" (senior week students) running off to a party.
You laugh to yourself, thinking you'd rather have a nice night in with friends than rage all night long. You've officially hit grandma status. Then, one of your friends reminds you of this, saying, "Man, I feel really old being around these kids and you're a year older. I can't imagine how you feel. You're like a grandma!" Yes, thank you for that. Thanks for reminding me.
4. These "kids" look like infants.
There is no feasible way they are about to go into college in few months. They just look way too little.
5. Your little brother graduated high school.
Your little brother is going to college at the end of August. Your little brother isn't so little anymore. And that's when it hits you: high school was a long time ago and you're on your way to becoming an adult.
