Senior Year Was Not What I Expected | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Senior Year Was Not What I Expected

I guess I can thank the Coronavirus for that.

28
Senior Year Was Not What I Expected

In This Article:

Senior year is a big deal. Whether you're a first-generation student, a transfer student, whatever your situation may be, senior year is a year of accomplishment and so much to celebrate.

There are so many lasts to experience...last class, last finals, last crown hopping, last night out with your friends, etc.

There are so many memories to make..graduation, senior week, last toast, etc.

This year everything was cut short.

About midway through the second semester of senior year, many colleges shut down, face-to-face, and as a result, college students were uprooted from their normal lives and moved back home to finish the remainder of the year online.

No senior week.

No graduation, on time at least.

No closure to the college experience many of us have held so dearly over the last four years.

It's taken a while for my thoughts to come together in regards to how I feel about the experience as a whole.

For me personally, high school was not a good time for me and college was like a saving grace kind of moment. I grew into the person I was meant to be and learned how to be the best version of myself. I learned how to be a successful adult in my career field. I learned how to build professional relationships.

I do have some advice to share with incoming college students I'd like to share.

1. Learn sooner rather than later to think for you, not everyone else. 

It's so hard to conform your choices and decisions to please other people, even though it may also make you happy. But it's very important to learn and recognize that these years are about you. Friendships and relationships are great to build in college, and I don't want to discourage that, but it's important to put yourself first.

Be yourself, don't conform to the version others want to see in you.

2. Put your academics first, your social life will adjust. 

Trust me, the social appeal of college is huge and one that many enjoy. But it's important to remember that staying on top of your school work and taking the time necessary to complete it will benefit you in the long run. There will always be ample social opportunities, but academics are more time sensitive.

3. Nothing has to be permanent. 

You don't have to be friends with the same people forever.

You don't have to remain in a major you don't want to work in.

You don't have to join organizations or greek life if you don't want to. And if you do join, you don't have to stay if it is making you unhappy.

You don't have to stay at your original school if you are unhappy there.

College is an unforgettable experience and one that honest and truly made me a better person. I'm sad and disappointed that it ended the way it did, and I'm sure if I didn't have a bonus year for graduate school those emotions would be even more heightened. But either way, class of 2020, you did it - here's to you!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

431
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

209
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less
RBF
Pop Trigger / YouTube

I'll admit it, I have a condition called RBF or, if you will, Resting Bitch Face.

Anna Kendrick, poor Kristen Stewart, the Queen of England are all life-long sufferers of RBF. Victoria Beckham even made a career out of it! And though it's usually used to describe women, some men are also afflicted. Kanye West is the best example of this.

Keep Reading...Show less
12 Things To Do On A Snow Day

Everyone loves a snow day! Whether you decide to call out sick from work or your classes get canceled, it is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

1. Build a snowman

People brave enough to face the weather can go outside to build an adorable man made of snow. Relive those childhood glory days, but remember to bundle up!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments