It's that time of year again. The weather is getting warmer, classes are getting on your nerves and talk of graduation is in the air. The thought of caps, gowns and tassels are beginning to float around in your mind. Yet, it might not all be sunshine and rainbows. Along with graduation comes so many different thoughts and emotions you may not be able to get away from. If you're graduating, you may face a range of emotions from denial, panic and anticipation, all the way to contentment and excitement. You may even face them in this exact order. If you're about to graduate, here are some quick insider tips on what emotions you might be faced with and how to handle them as they come your way. So, take a deep breath because graduation is on the horizon.
1. Denial
As graduation approaches, denial is the first stage of emotion every student faces. This emotion usually hits a few months before graduation. No cap and gown has been purchased yet, no parties have been planned and reality hasn't quite set in yet. This is the comfort zone. The last four years have fallen into place nicely, and there is a routine in full swing. Yet, all of that is about to change. For the last few years, students have come and gone, but you haven't thought much of it. Now, it's finally your turn, well, maybe not quite yet.
2. Panic
Where have my undergrad years gone? Should I think about a furthering my education? I'm not ready to be an adult! Is this really happening? Am I ready for the real world? Where am I going to work? Questions like these start swimming around in your mind. Panic starts to set in as your see the school preparing for graduation. The change in the weather from cold to warm has become a sign of the impending event. It's OK; the last four year have prepared you for this moment. Take a breath, and breath in the last few moments of undergrad.
3. Anticipation
It's happening. It's really happening. The day is quickly approaching. All of the necessary arrangements have been made, family has been called, the big day has been scheduled. Remember when you didn't want to leave, and now you can't wait until you walk across that stage? Anticipating graduation leaves you feeling stuck in the middle. You are past panic, but you also don't feel quite content yet. Your room is starting to get packed up, and your friends are starting to talk about all of the good memories you've all had throughout the past few years. Excitement is slowly building, but you are hesitant.
4. Contentment
The day has finally come. As you walk across the stage and look out at the crowd, you can't help but think what an amazing experience you've had. All of the good and all of the bad experiences seem to morph together into one moment of contentment. Everything you've done in the last four years has led to this very moment. You can't help but think of all of the amazing friends you've made. You're going to miss these days, but you'll always have the memories.
5. Excitement
The future is right in front of you, and it is what you make it. Now is the time to travel, explore and see the world. Now is the time to continue your education and go on to do bigger and better things. Now is the time to make a name for yourself. If there was any time to be excited in your entire four years of undergrad, graduation would be that time. The whole world is right in front of you. So celebrate because no one can take this moment away from you.
