The first day of school, whether you're eight or 18, is exciting. As much as you may dread having to wake up in the morning and sit through the boring, first-day routine, you're excited to see your friends again and get back to what is familiar. No matter how much you love summer break, you're always happy to get back to a routine (and to know what day of the week it is).
But there's something different about your Last First Day (LFD). In high school, your LFD is exciting because you're finally a short time away from graduating and moving on to college. In college, your LFD is bittersweet and filled with more emotions than you thought possible.
1. Excitement
There is a lot of excitement that comes with your LFD, especially when you're in college. You're suddenly only a semester away from being done with school. Soon, you'll be done with lectures, tests, essays, and early-morning classes. It's also an appropriate time to start the countdown to the end of college and the beginning of adulthood.
2. Fear
There's also a bit of fear mixed into the LFD. It means you're that much closer to the end and to adulthood. And let's face it, adulthood is a scary prospect. As much as you may look forward to being done with classes, the thought of entering the "real world" is enough to fill anyone with fear. The LFD just means it's time to actually start thinking about life post-college.
3. Panic
I know, it seems a bit odd, but everyone experiences a little bit of panic on the first day of classes. Getting that copy of the syllabus and seeing everything you have to do in the coming semester is a bit overwhelming. It's a bit more panic-inducing on your LFD, though, because you know that you can't screw up. It's essentially your last chance. (Terrifying, right?)
4. Excitement (again)
In all honesty, there is a lot of excitement, even when it's your LFD. There's still the excitement of meeting your new classmates and professors. There's the excitement of seeing your old friends and even some of your old professors. There's the excitement of a new semester and the excitement of the last semester.
So if you've just had your LFD, enjoy it! Soak in all the emotions that come with it, and enjoy the beginning of the end of your school career. Give your last semester or year, your all, and don't forget to have fun.
