I’m a senior in college now. Many of my friends will be graduating in the spring. Many of them will soon start interviewing for jobs or sending in grad school applications. Some of them know exactly where they’re going after they receive their diploma in May and others only know that they’re graduating and will finally be done.
But not me.
A change of major and a rough semester set me back two semesters, so rather than my fourth year being my final year, my fifth year will be.
I’m not the only one like this, though. There are lots of us that, for one reason or another, aren’t graduating “on time.”
So, if you’re watching all your friends sign up for senior seminar and do exit loan counseling already and you’re feeling a little bummed that it’s not your turn yet, here are a few reminders.
1. I know it’s hard not to compare ourselves to our peers, but we must expel those thoughts from our minds!
Keep them away! You are not your peers and your peers are not you. You are an individual and can’t possibly compare your journey and your struggle to theirs. They may have graduated in four years, versus our five+, but that doesn’t mean that we are any less intelligent, hard working, or determined to graduate than they are.
2. Things happen.
Change your major once? Twice? Three or more times? Don’t sweat it too much. It takes time to figure out what you want to do with your life. Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” If you want that degree, then go for it. Earn it. You got this.
3. Take some time off from school? That’s okay.
If you went this route, whether it was to work a little while or for financial, personal, or mental health reasons, that’s totally okay. If you need the break, take it. There’s no point in burning yourself out. It is my belief that we should enjoy our education; not hate it.
4. Did you struggle your first year or so of college?
Don’t let your hurting GPA hurt you, too. Coming back to number 2, things happen! Struggling in college does not always mean that you weren’t cut out for college. Sure, maybe college isn’t for everyone, but that’s not because of a deficiency in intelligence. If you want that degree, go for it. Try again. You can do it.
5. Maybe it’s only going to take you four years, but you started late.
So you’re still seeing your friends and classmates that went off to college after high school graduating before you. I offer you a Misty Copeland quote: “Know that you can start late... and still succeed.”
There is absolutely zero shame in not taking the “ideal” path through college. Honestly, there’s no such thing. Everyone is different and needs different things. You need to do what’s best for you to reach your goal and there’s nothing wrong with that.
So, while your peers and classmates are receiving their diplomas in May, it’s okay to be a little jealous. Just remind yourself that everyone blooms in their own time and your time is coming.
