Life is a series of transitions. We transition from kindergarten to elementary school, then middle school, and on to high school. After high school, we move to live on our own for the first time at college and, now as seniors, we will make yet another transition into the real world. With graduation quickly approaching, I sit back and reflect on the last four years of my life spent as a college student. During this time, I have had unparalleled experiences and gained tremendous, unforgettable memories. I have made friends, and lost them, and have felt things I didn't know I could feel for people. I have made mistakes, but I cannot wait for what is to come.
For anyone that plans on graduating this May, there is perpetual talk about plans after graduation: job searches, graduate school, medical school, traveling, etc. I have seen friends cry and spend countless hours stressing about the future, and that's okay. It's okay to be afraid of the unknown, but it is not okay to put an expiration date on your capabilities. For those people who are still in pursuit of the perfect job, don't give up. We find ourselves comparing our current situation to that of others who have different majors, internship experience, and life plans. It's unfair to constantly find parallels between our plans and those of others, because there are too many variables to make it an adequate comparison.
Graduation not only means leaving the comfort of our beloved Clemson and moving to a new place, but it also means letting go of certain relationships, friendships, and grudges that we may have developed over the years. As early twenty-something year olds, we have to grow up. It's time for us to let go of the dead weight and start fresh with those people in our lives who we know will help us better ourselves. It's no longer acceptable to do some of the things that we've been able to laugh about on Sunday mornings, because we're now contributing members of society. It's disheartening and sad to think about letting go of some people that have been a comfort to us over the years, but sometimes there are necessary ties to cut when we graduate. Whether it's the friend that always brings you down, or the guy who you just can't seem to get over, now is the time you have a valid excuse to fizzle the communication.
Although it may be intimidating to think about packing up your college belongings, moving them into your own apartment and unpacking in a new place, it's also exhilarating. Now is the time for us to learn from the mistakes we've made, better ourselves, and start fresh with a new and more mature outlook on life. It's okay to be afraid of that CPA exam you have to pass, the sales numbers you'll have to meet, or the dental exams you'll have to ace to get through these next few years. It's the unknown that makes life so elating and terrifying all at the same time. As we begin to make this monumental transition in our lives, we must remember to remain openminded, brave, and positive, as we start to see incredible and wonderful change.
