The final semester of senior year in college is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and equally terrifying times of one’s life.
It is a prominent turning point that gives you the opportunity to start shaping your adult life. Contrary to what many may think, being a college student does not mean you are an actual adult. However, there are also large amounts of uncertainty that coincide with this prospect because you are unsure exactly what you are going to do with your future. Here are a few things you have likely experienced if you are, or have ever been, in this position:
1. You dread going home for large family events.
Suddenly, some aunt who hasn’t taken an interest in you for the past 20 plus years is dying to know about what job you have lined up post grad. Plus, it doesn’t help that your cousin who is the same age has announced landing their dream job at National Geographic, just two seconds before the family shifts to the topic of your future endeavors.
2. You begin actively avoiding Facebook because everyone from high school has started posting announcements of their future plans.
Remember Ryan from 10th grade History class? No, not really. But either way, you find yourself suddenly caring that he “has never gotten a tan in his life but is pleased to post he has accepted a job in Florida!” and begin reevaluating your entire existence.
3. It becomes evident you need to figure out how to use LinkedIn.
Although I have always been slightly wary of anyone my own age who is a wizard at properly navigating LinkedIn, sorry, but having connections with only your parents and their friends no longer cuts it anymore. Also, putting “teamwork” as a skill and your mother as the only endorsement for it is probably not the strongest element of your profile.
4. Anyone and everyone asks about your future plans.
“What are you doing after May?” “What internships have you had?” “Are you going to grad school?” “Have you started getting those pesky student loan emails yet?” As a coping mechanism, I’ve personally started telling everyone I am going to become a woman’s field hockey coach.
5. The student loan emails begin rolling in.
There really isn’t much to elaborate on for this one.
6. You start planning your living arrangements post graduation.
One important thing to remember is there’s absolutely nothing wrong with moving back home for a bit. It isn’t recommended you live there indefinitely (your parents probably won’t appreciate that either), but just until you figure out your next move, it doesn’t hurt.
Although these scenarios aren’t too appealing, don’t forget there are also many upsides to being a senior in college. You have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do, and people sometimes have multiple career changes in their life. Everyone moves along at their own pace. What is most important is you do what is best for you and enjoy the fortunate position you're in!
