We all knew college was going to eventually end, but why so fast? I feel like I was just going to New Student Orientation and wearing lanyards to class. Now it is time to get it together and be an adult...WHY? So, here are some things that seniors are going through or being asked...
1. Getting asked, "So, what are your plans after graduation?"
Literally, the question that everyone and their mother will ask you. You may have the answer to this question but 90% of the time you wont. I can say that, I thought I did have the answer but quickly found out, I don't. There are so many decisions to be made between now and graduation that the after is a whole other world!
2. Your emotions run your life.
Whether, you are crying at everything cause it is your last first day, last October 3rd in college, last whatever really. Maybe, you are so excited you cannot contain it or you are freaking out because you don't have any plans. Either way your emotions are probably all over the place and your just trying to stay awake long enough to decide how to feel.
3. Life just got 100 times more stressful.
Life has become more stressful because not only are having to keep up with classes, but keeping up with job hunting, relationships, and everything graduation related. There's never been more stress than this semester. It all seems to hit at one time and the closer we get to graduation the more stressful life has gotten.
4. Some of your friendships start changing.
Basically, some people may realize your not going to be around anymore so they give up on your friendship. It shouldn't being happening, this should be a time when you're the closest with your friends. When times get tough friendships are tested, some will pass some will fail! The most important thing to remember is whoever is still around after you graduate and move on with life, are truly your friend.
5. The cuss words to seniors, "Welcome to the Real World!"
Every time you complain about job hunting or how your life is, you'll most likely hear, "Welcome to the Real World." I get it, I really do, it is quickly approaching, the world we never really saw in college, but come on, it doesn't need to be said every time I talk. The real world stinks, I know this because it hits you 100 mph and you go from having a pretty relaxed life to having many more responsibilities.
6. Job hunting consumes your life.
Not only is this time in your life stressful because of everything senior year brings but job hunting trumps it all. It sucks, straight up sucks. Every job listing says you need experience or something that makes you different than everyone else applying for that position. Job hunting is hard, there are tons of jobs all over the country and narrowing them down can be difficult. It is a dog eat dog world out there, so may the best women (or man) win!
7. You'll constantly be working on your resume.
Everyone should have a resume, you've probably used one applying for a serving position or retail. When you start applying for "Big Girl" jobs it becomes more of an important file that can get you closer to a job. The hardest part about a resume is making it stand out from every other resume an employer receives. You will send your resume to hundreds of people, hoping and praying at least someone picks it up. Never give up hope on your resume, show off your personality, be yourself and you will eventually find the most perfect job!
8.Loans, Loans and Loans...
There isn't much to say here, we all know college loans will hunt you forever! Loans are a terrible thing that haunts college graduates for awhile after they graduate. Not only are they left out in the "real world" they have thousands of dollars of loans on their backs.
9. Graduation is expensive!
After four years, you've paid the school plenty of money for tuition. One may think that when you're about to graduate they may not charge you to apply for graduation. NOT TRUE, you haven't given them enough money over four years so lets pay about three hundred more for graduation application, cap, gown and announcements.
10. Whatever money you do have is spent on professional clothes.
All of the sudden within a few short months you have to change your wardrobe from boring college student to professional business women. You have to cover up more, outfits cannot be wrinkled and you have to look presentable. Professional clothes are expensive and can be hard to come by for a reasonable price. Going on interviews and looking professional are key to landing a great job.
11. Social media cleanup, is key!
There comes a time when the college life quickly comes to end and if your graduating you know that you have to get your life together. Social media is dangerous because people don't pay attention to what they are posting. It is time to go through your social media accounts and clean them up. If you're graduating you probably have already done this and it stinks but it can save you later down the road!
12. Realizing there's no such thing as freshman 15, more like college 500.
After your freshman year, you looked back a realized that freshman 15 was a real life situation. Now were graduating and realizing that the 15 decided it never slowed down and your getting old and wrinkly. Maybe, the real world isn't fat? Right?
13. Preparing to leave the town you've conquered.
It is finally time to leave your stomping grounds and it is kind of hard. You want to grow up some days but some days you want to hide at Humps and never leave. It is hard to believe that these college days are quickly coming to an end but it has all been worth it!
So, if you know anyone graduating within the next 50-ish days, send them encouraging words. Give them a hug because most likely they are freaking out on the inside. Most importantly, dont give up on them. They have reached a huge milestone in their life and they need a strong support system to lean on.
