To The College Seniors Who Aren't Sure What They're Doing With Their Lives
Start writing a post
Student Life

To The College Seniors Who Aren't Sure What They're Doing With Their Lives

You're exactly where you need to be.

415
To The College Seniors Who Aren't Sure What They're Doing With Their Lives
Alyssa Hinshaw

From one [almost] college graduate to another, I understand if you're beginning to panic a bit. The reality that "full adulthood" hits us head-on in a mere three months is, slightly, terrifying and a bit exhilarating all at the same time. You may, suddenly, feel that four (or five) years isn't enough time to figure it all out.

And you're right. It isn't. But neither is 10, 15, or 20 years because no amount of time is going to adequately prepare us for the unknown that lies ahead — a conclusive nightmare for those of us who crave control of our lives.

But here's the thing — control is an illusion.

We are no more in control on the days that we feel we are than on the days that we feel like we're drowning. As cliché as it sounds, each of our stories has already been written, bound, and published. And when we try to make edits or suggestions, I'm officially convinced God laughs, shakes His head and says, "not again."

Why is that so scary? Why do we want to be in control of something as serious as our destiny? Isn't that a whole lot of unnecessary pressure?

I think yes.

I think we need to calm down and stop being afraid to tell the people who want to know our step-by-step plans post-grad that we're not exactly sure, but that we're actively working on figuring it out.

It's OK if we don't have a 10-year plan laid out. It's OK if we don't have a five-year plan set in stone. It's really OK if we haven't even identified our passion or "calling." And it's time to stop feeling pressure to pretend that we have it all together. No one really does, and I call B.S. on anyone who claims they do.

Stop comparing yourself to other people your age who seem to be at the perfect place in life because I guarantee you that for every person you compare your progress to there's someone out there doing the same thing, except you're the one they look up to.

If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked for my "secret" or said they don't know how I "have it so together," I'd have my student debt paid off before the first bill rolled in.

I am here to tell you that I do not have it figured out. No one does. And I am the world's worst for identifying those who seem like they've "arrived" and then striving to catch up with their progress. Exhausting, right?

We never arrive. In fact, we should probably check ourselves if we ever get that comfortable with where we're at because there's always room to improve, always more mistakes to make and learn from, and always a new goal to pursue.

To the college senior who doesn't have life figured out yet, don't stress. You're exactly where you need to be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

103251
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments