I've recently made the decision to extend my undergraduate education beyond the average four-year span. Not by much, I'll just be staying one year longer, but it was a big decision.

I know staying a fifth year is pretty common and not a big deal, but it was just something that I'd never considered for myself. I was at an open-house for the Counseling Center during Fall Welcome Week, when one of the peer counselors said to me, "You know, if you would stay a fifth year, you could participate in the program."

I immediately stopped and asked myself, "Why am I not staying a fifth year?"

Not only was it unplanned, but it seemingly came out of nowhere.

I was supposed to graduate in June - only months away. What was I supposed to do for a whole extra year? Well, I considered all of the benefits a fifth year would grant me. I was almost finished with the required courses for both of my Anthropology and Psychology majors, and was already able to fit some Early Childhood Education courses into my schedule. If I stayed an extra year, I could major in Education. I could participate in research and do more on campus, raise my GPA, and have even more time to study for the GRE and become more competitive for grad school.

Of course, I still had reservations. What would my parents think? I knew that staying a fifth year isn't a big deal, but my parents wouldn't understand that and they'd think that I was falling behind. And even then, would I still receive financial aid, and could I afford it? Would I keep living in Irvine? Would I even be allowed to add another major during my fourth year? Was this a good idea?

I'm still extremely nervous about it, but I'm lucky enough to have a lot of support. My friends, who will be graduating soon, keep telling me that they would stay an extra year if they could.

One of my previous TAs told me that it was okay to take my time. She had some extra time as an undergrad as well. (And she's super awesome, just FYI.)

My mom immediately told me to stay and to learn as much as I can. She told me that my education and the things I learn will be the only things that no one can ever take away from me.

So I'll stay. And I'll learn.

I'm sort of glad the opportunity to stay another year was unexpected. I feel like I'm at a place where I'm ready to face the challenges that will pop up in the upcoming months.

It just goes to show that things don't always go as planned and it's completely okay. I have a lot to figure out this year. And although there is a lot of uncertainty, I know that I will be able to deal with everything that comes my way.

Good luck to the Class of 2017, and thank you all for your support.