After four long, tiring, brutal, but rewarding years, I have finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel that is undergrad. In less than two weeks I will be able to walk across that stage and complete this unique chapter of my life. As excited and ready as I am to leave this part of my life behind and begin something new, I can't help but have moments of bitter-sweetness as graduation day nears and I begin to experience all the lasts that just four years ago were firsts.
I decided that I wanted to write an article based on how it feels to venture through senior year and graduate from college, as it is nothing close to what it felt like graduating from high school. Even though you are still leaving the university with nothing but opportunity and open doors waiting for you, what you're leaving behind is much deeper, and for some people who do not continue on to graduate school as I am, this is the end of a 17-year long streak of obtaining an education.
So, here is a list of feelings/thoughts (in no specific order) that I have experienced over the last seven months:
1. It's the beginning of senior year, nothing can stop me from greatness!
When classes started in September I was ready to face my final year head-on and give it my all. I'm sure you all can guess how long that lasted....
2. Alright, first couple of assignments and papers down, this isn't so bad after all!
Word of advice, never trust this feeling. This is just the calm before the eventual storm that swoops in and knocks you right on your butt. (But don't let that stop you from always hyping yourself up anyways!)
3. It's okay if I skip the shower for a few days, right? One week tops!
This is pretty self-explanatory.
4. If I return the recycle bottles and cans in my bedroom and dig up some spare change I might be able to afford dinner for tonight.
Even with three
5. Would dropping out halfway through senior year REALLY be that bad?
Don't think this thought doesn't run through a college student's mind on a regular basis. We might have moments of weakness but luckily we always come to our sense...eventually.
6. Why didn't anyone tell me that the freshman 15 continues accumulating over all four years?
Two words; stress. eating.
7. Does one actually need sleep to live or is that a myth?
I personally feel as though I have single-handedly proven this statement to be false. The dark circles under my eyes are my witnesses. Since finishing my assignments for the semester I have created a personal goal of sleeping for 75% of the day in order to catch up on sleep debt.
8. The end is near. Praise Jesus. Hallelujah. Amen. God is good. I will make it out alive!
Nothing has felt greater than looking at my planner only to see that finals week is just a few short weeks away. Time to start preparing for graduation!
9. I have two scheduled interviews for big-girl jobs two weeks before I graduate, I must be pretty cool.
Okay, maybe not cool, but definitely starting to feel official!
10. When you've passed your classes, presented your thesis, did your laundry, cleaned your room, showered, decorated your cap, and you're set to walk across the stage.
In all seriousness, as I walk away from everything I've known for this four-year chunk of my life, I know that I am 100% ready to take on what's next for me. But I will never forget the people I met here and the amazing memories that I made. For incoming college freshmen, enjoy it. I know you hear it all the time, but really, truly take the time to enjoy these years. One of these days you're going to wake up and it's going to be your graduation day. Cease every opportunity and don't be afraid to leave that comfort zone that's been your best friend since the beginning of high school. You never know what might come of it.
