Have you ever had someone tell you to enjoy life at college before you make it to the ‘real world’ because you will never be so free to do what you want? They tell you not to rush through because you will never be so free to do what you want because you are not overwhelmed with responsibilities during college and so forth? They tell you not to rush through it because you will regret it later on; not to grow up too fast because you will miss this time in the future?
… Or is it just me?
These comments are not always appreciated, even though I am sure the speaker means well. When did graduating on time (which is within four years, guys) become so strange? When did wanting to move on and make your way in the world become something that we shy away from instead of chasing?
Yes, I am graduating in four years. Yes, May 2016 is approaching faster than I thought it would. Yes, at times it is terrifying, Yes, I am nervous about applying to different schools in my area and praying that there will be a position – any position – available. Graduating in four years does not mean that I never had any regret working hard to graduate on time. This does not mean that I completely locked myself in the library and my room and never hung out with anyone; just because you take a challenging load of classes does not mean that you can’t (and won’t) enjoy your time in college.
I have never had a semester less than 18 hours; there was still plenty of time to complete all of my school work, make decent grades, and socialize with my friends. I have had many fun adventures throughout my years in college from spontaneously going to Rock Island to playing HVZ and chasing each other around campus with Nerf weapons to playing volleyball in the pouring rain. I have been on hilarious WalMart trips in the wee hours of the morning where we had cart races in the aisles. I have stayed up all night laughing until I cried with people that I love. I promise you – I have thoroughly enjoyed my college years, but now I know it is time for me to graduate and move on.
If I wait until I think I am 100 percent ready, then I will never go. I am realizing more and more that I have outgrown the adventures here. I am ready to teach in a classroom with actual children as the students, instead of teaching in a classroom to my fellow Education majors. I am ready to go to work, then come home at the end of a long day and drink some tea with my soon-to-be husband. I am ready to live life and do so to its fullest.
I understand that life beyond college will have its own fair share of challenges. I know that it will not always be sunshine and roses, but that is all right. College has taught me a thing or two about how perseverance and dedication pay off, and I think that I might just survive.
