The Mind Of A Soon-To-Be College Graduate

The Mind Of A Soon-To-Be College Graduate

It's a doozy.
Taylor Bennett
Taylor Bennett Jan 9, 2017
11
views

Before now, I’ve never felt so much excitement, anxiety, nervousness, and fear at once. Before you’re a senior, it’s all just a distant path to a distant world. You’ll go to school, do the the best you can in your classes, and then get a job upon graduation. It’s that easy—until you’re actually about to graduate.

A plethora of thoughts and questions bombard your mind: did I pick the right major? Did I do well enough in my classes? Do I stand out? Do I have enough experience? Do I want to take this route or do I want to take that route? Will I actually find a job? Will I actually find a job that I like? And the one that weighs the heaviest: what if I don’t?

I think it’s safe to say that none of us have the magic answer. We continue to cringe at every Facebook status that notifies us of others’ job offers. We keep having random mini panic attacks thinking about the future. And we can’t help wondering “what if”, amidst uncertainty of the path we chose many years ago and our anxiety for what lies ahead.

After many moments and most days spent worrying, I’ve decided to stop worrying and to start trusting. As a soon-to-be college graduate, I should be excited about my accomplishments as well as all that lies before me: a whole wide world full of endless opportunity. I should also be confident in the decisions I made for my future. Because that was me staring into the distant, distant future with smiling eyes, picturing all that I could do once I got to where I am today. And that person doesn’t deserve to be let down.

Some may already have their dream job lined up; others may begin to work their way to the top. He may take a year off to figure out what’s next; she might realize exactly what she wants and jump for it. We could get our answers today, tomorrow, in a couple months, or in a year. Nothing is set in stone, except the fact that we made it this far and have the potential to be great. So don’t get caught up on timeliness and perfection. Realize that the best things in life are worth the wait. And when the time comes to make a decision, go with your gut. Do what’s best for you and remember that person with the smiling, dreaming eyes. Be great.

Cover Image Credit: Photo by: Kd Greenleaf
Taylor Bennett
Taylor Bennett Jan 9, 2017
At Virginia Tech

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11 Things 20-Year-Olds Who Look 12 Are Tired Of Hearing

No, I don't need a kids' menu, thank you very much.
Kelsey Nesbitt
Kelsey Nesbitt Aug 9, 2016
212446
views

I used to just laugh it off when someone thought I was 12 years old back when I was in high school, but now that I am three years deep into college getting ready to graduate, I don’t laugh anymore. If you are in the same situation as me looking like a child trying to get into a bar/club and the bouncer is questioning if your ID is fake, please read on — you may relate very much. Here are 11 things 20+ year-olds who look 12 are tired of hearing:

1. I didn’t know they let 12-year-olds work here.

Nope. They don’t.

2. What school do you go to?

Me: Florida State.

Person: University?!

3. *Tries to get a sample at Target* Is your parent nearby?

Let me FaceTime my mom really quick and ask her permission for this protein bar sample.

SEE ALSO: 11 Things 20-Year-Olds Who Look 12 Are Tired Of Saying

4. *Server at a restaurant* Here you go, sweetie. What can I get you, darling? Hi, honey, how are you?

You are no more than three years older than me, there is no need for "sweetie."

5. It’s your birthday? Happy Birthday! How old now, fourteen/fifteen?

6. You look so much older when you wear makeup.

Is that supposed to be a compliment?

7. Wow, you're how old? You look like you are twelve.

Have you seen a twelve-year-old lately?

8. You probably just look young because you're short.


9. *Tries to flirt with a guy* You're a little too young for me I think.

I'm your age. Maybe even older.


10. Are you old enough to see this movie? Can I see your ID please?

11. You're going to be so thankful when you are in your 50's.

So I've been told. Hopefully, it's worth it.

Cover Image Credit: YouTube
Kelsey Nesbitt
Kelsey Nesbitt Aug 9, 2016
At Florida State University

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4 Things I'll Miss About College, After I Graduate

Because 8 weeks is much too soon.

Sanjna Malik
Sanjna Malik Sep 18, 2018
58
views

So many people have asked me if I'm even taking the time to enjoy college when I'm so busy most days, but in reality, it's only because of college schedule that I'm allowed to fit in time to do things I enjoy.

1. Random pockets of free time

Even though my class/work/internship schedule this quarter is 12 hours long each Monday, 11 hours each Tuesday, and 9 hours on Wednesday, I prefer having long hours, but with an hour off in between because of the fact that I can meet friends somewhat spontaneously, as not all of my friends have a 9-5 at the moment either. The general 9 to 5 routine is a bit mundane for me, as having these pockets of free time often help me beat crowds in public places and public transport, and I know that I have downtime before my next responsibility.

2. All my clubs and organizations!  

The thing I was looking the most forward to when I started graduate school a year and a half ago, was getting involved with certain types of clubs and organizations I hadn't had the opportunity to explore during my undergraduate time at DePaul. Those very clubs have introduced me to people who have become some very close friends, just as they served that purpose for me during my undergraduate career. Something people have told me is how hard it is to meet people once graduating, so I was not going to pass up any opportunities to connect, befriend, and network with people while I had as many opportunities to do so.

3. Security

It's a scary time to be an immigrant or even an international student right now. The great thing about being in school was having the security of "one more year" where I wouldn't be on a timeline to find a job, and one that eventually has to lead to visa sponsorship, something that a lot of companies have recently been voluntarily opting out of doing.

4. Learning new things every 10 weeks

I love short term goals, as they're the easiest to keep track and progress of. A school like DePaul is ideal for me due to the quarter system. With exactly 10 weeks worth of subject material, I never have to worry too much about a subject I dislike, or feeling bored of the subject material. Additionally, graduate school being all night classes helps me space out my schedule so that I have a week to do my homework, re-learn tricky concepts, and plan out the rest of my obligations.

Sanjna Malik
Sanjna Malik Sep 18, 2018
At DePaul University

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