It is mid-April, which means for Seniors everywhere, the (somewhat) dreaded May 1st decision day deadline is quickly approaching. As an April 30th depositor, I know how stressful this time can be. Last year, at this time, though having narrowed my decision down to a few select schools, I spent hours visiting and revisiting schools in the hopes that the one I was meant to submit my deposit at would jump out at me, that I would be filled with some wisdom.

I remember the last two weeks of April last year being a state of uncertainty, as I am sure it is for you all right now. Even after I submitted my deposit, if you happen to be one of the lucky ones to have been waitlisted at one or more schools like I was, I still felt this sense of uneasiness. Did I make the right decision? What if this wasn't it? What if something else comes up?

A few months back, I wrote about indecisiveness and how in reality, it can be a good thing. Seniors, this same idea can relate to you right now. In a couple short weeks (if you haven't already), you'll have to make a decision that will potentially shape your life for the next four years. It's a big decision, I get it. It's nerve wracking, I know.

Still, I think it's important to recognize that the uncertainty is necessary in this process.

The uncertainty you may be feeling right now is a means of giving you time to pause and reflect on what the best course of action is for you.

Seniors, take time to breathe. Do whatever you can to make sure you feel secure in whatever school you end up choosing: whether it be extra visits, a pros/cons list, or just sitting quietly and trusting your gut.

Embrace this time of uncertainty. You'll find that in the end, it's what makes the journey more interesting and life more beautiful.

When it comes down to it, your life right now is marked by uncertainty, even beyond the May 1st deadline, and that's okay.

If you find yourself second guessing your decision, or unsure of whether you've made the right choice, be gentle with yourself. Trust that, at least for right now, you are ending up where you are supposed to be. I say "at least for right now" because you may find later on that where you initially chose may not be where you're meant to spend your next full, four years. And that's okay too. Transfers are normal, and if you believe you will be happy somewhere else, you have to do what's best for you.

I remember being unsure of whether Villanova was the right school for me up until move in. I didn't have the experience that some people had, where they just "knew" that one school was perfect for them, and not scared me. Now, however, I can wholeheartedly say that I made the absolute best decision for me.

Villanova has been so much more than I hoped for and I am beyond grateful for everything that led me here, even the uncertain times.

Still, none of this would have been possible without having been open to everything I was about to face, which is why I can't stress enough the importance of being open during this time. Whether you're beyond excited to be attending the college you've chosen or are still uncertain with your decision, the reality is, in a few short months, you'll be off to a brand new experience. You'll be meeting new people, be in a different environment, taking classes you care about, with dozens of other opportunities at your fingertips.

Greater than embracing the uncertainty is facing all this "newness" with an open heart.

It makes all the difference in how your initial reactions to wherever you are come about. An open heart makes it all the more possible to experience everything to the fully extent and makes the potential for greater connection, community, and love to come about.

Seniors, you're ready for all this, I have no doubt. Whether you've yet to make a decision, or already have, you've come so far up until this point and are going places. So much is happening and you may feel uneasy at times, but take a deep breathe and congratulate yourself because you've already accomplished so much.

Whatever decision you make or have made, stand by it, even amidst the face of this uncertainty. This is your time, Seniors. :)

Talk soon,

Sam