T-30 days and I'll be graduating college. I've had an interesting four years as a college student. It's been fairly unconventional, the way I've been going about these four rather gruesome years of college. My freshman year I lived on campus, but hated it. My roommate and I got along but we were on different sleep patterns and different everything, really. Academically I was floundering around in classes and trying to pick a major that I actually liked. I changed my major a handful of times and finally settled on English and Media Studies. But as the years continued, it seemed to get easier to handle but still ever since junior year I've been itching to graduate and get out.
As we near graduation time, the most common thing I've heard from my fellow seniors is that they don't want to leave college. I understand that many have forged lifelong friendships and have created something special in this area. It's something a person never wants to leave because change is hard for everyone. But, I'll be honest with you. I had a much different college experience than most at my college and I'm very much ready to leave college and never look back. Here are some reasons I'm ready to leave college and never look back.
1. A normal schedule
There are times when I am up at 6:30 am and don't get home till 9:30 pm and go to bed around 11. These long days have killed me from the very beginning. Once I'm done with school I'll be able to work a solid 7 am to 5 pm and come home and relax and read my book. I won't have to worry about what paper is due next or how many countless chapters need to be read in a boring class textbook.
2. Finding lifelong friends at work or through mutual friends
While many people have found their lifelong friends at college, I truly haven't. Many of my very good friends are from work but I look forward to finding friends that share the same hobbies and career path as myself.
3. Casual dinners and drinks
The common evening or weekend thing for a college student to do is go out to the bars with a large group of people to a place that can't really fit a whole lot of people and drink a little too much in a small amount of time. I skipped that time in my college career. I haven't been out to local bars during pub crawl season or any other special occasion. I'd much rather go out for a small, casual dinner and drinks with a close friend or a small group of friends. I was never one to go out and party hard. But casual dinners and drinks sound much better and nicer after a hard day at work.
4. Work, work, work
Oddly enough, I'd much rather work, earn and save money for my future. I found that I've spent many summers working two jobs to earn money for school. But I wouldn't want to go back to that. After graduation I can find a secure job and save money up for my future. Not to mention, a secure job would lessen the stress in my life.
As a soon-to-be college graduate I find that I'm thankful for the experience that a four-year college has given me. But I've had senioritis for far too long and look forward to having my weekends and reading for pleasure.
So here's to anyone that doesn't feel the need to stay in college. You'll do great out there!
