I see pictures of semester-system college graduations taking place (What? How? Why?) across Facebook and Instagram, and a certain feeling of dread mixed with excitement churns in the pit of my stomach. How are my peers who were once scrambling freshmen lost on campus now throwing their caps in the air and shipped off into the "real world"? To think I am joining them in a mere six weeks makes we want to escape the world and wrap myself in a blanket burrito.
And thus begins my countdown to graduation, starting from week five.
Week Five:
The job hunt is real, as well as the desired taste for #funemployment. I realized that job descriptions are ambiguous and they all seem to look for similar qualities in their applicants. Fair enough. I remain on a hot pursuit toward weighing out my skills and talents. School responsibilities are breathing down my neck, so it is a constant battle of balancing my time and efforts for everything I want to do.
Week Six:
I plan to start packing my room up and take the extra things home that I don't need, such as winter clothes or those pesky notes from previous quarters. Having nothing in the room will make me more productive, I tell myself. No, you will not be sad that your room is emptying and that you are leaving soon, I tell myself.
Week Seven:
This is the week of graduation photos. This is when the feels are in full swing. To document the four years of my life that I have invested in this campus with the people I've met is rather daunting. It will feel like one of the culminating moments when I think "This is it." Years of blood, sweat, and tears, along with days of trying to find a presentable dress that says "new grad, hire me" will come to an end.
Week Eight:
End of the year events for clubs and other activities are endlessly lined up with no end. There is an exciting energy buzzing around campus that's heeding the coming summer break. People are encouraging each other to keep pressing on and that they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The gym is constantly packed with the latecomers trying to squeeze in their summer body, and people look healthier all-around. I am one of those latecomers and asking myself why I ate all the things I ate in the past.
Week Nine:
Suddenly all motivation to study and finish the year on a strong note tanks. The weather is just too nice and everyone else seems to be living a carefree life while I'm still struggling to keep myself together. The temptation to go outside and play is unreal, and suddenly two more weeks seems like an eternity. Lord willing, I will get through these last couple weeks.
Week 10:
Week Nine procrastination is making me regret everything, and pre-finals engines are fired. The campus energy shifts from the electric buzz to a sleepless sensitivity. As many seniors are probably thinking, is it worth trying for finals? If I just pass, will that suffice? I ponder all of these questions as I drown in coffee and papers.
Finals and Graduation 2016:
Five days of delirious madness later, I bid adieu to my undergrad. Post-finals, I somehow drag myself out of greasy hair and sweatpants into my grad cap and gown. One of the biggest milestones has been accomplished, and with the most expensive piece of paper in hand, I hope to confidently say that I am ready for the real world.
