Whether you're going to grad school, changed your major, or in a longer program like I am, you know the feeling. It's the feeling of being one of the oldest students on campus. It sounded great when you first started, but now that you're actually here, you're feeling the super senioritis. It's only the first week of school, but I've already overheard several freshmen conversations about how easy their classes are and how excited they are for upcoming school events. Overhearing these conversation made me realize the disconnect there really is between me and younger students. I don't really relate to any of that. I know the drill and nothing in college is really a surprise anymore. While I remember what it was like to be a freshman, it honestly just feels so long ago. Here are some things I'm sure every super senior has thought:
1. "Am I too old to go to (insert campus activity here)?"
I'm only a fifth year student, but I can still feel a difference between myself and some of my younger peers. Many of them are having all of their firsts in college while I'm experiencing my lasts. I love trying new things, but I'll admit I've had the thought that maybe I'm too old for it. I know I'm not that much older, but sometimes it feels strange to throw myself into a group of younger students.
2. "Maybe I don't have time for fun anyway."
When they say that grad school longer programs are hard, they mean it. However, I'm also learning more than I ever have in my entire life and I really do find what I'm learning very interesting. With that being said, I have very little down time. If I'm not studying, I'm either eating, sleeping, or worrying that I'm not studying enough. The stress of exams will be over some day, but today is not that day. I enjoy everything that I'm learning and I see the value it has toward my future career, but I'm also looking forward to the day I won't stress over another test.
3. "All my friends are real adults with real adult jobs, and I'm still in school not making any money."
As much as I love watching my friends go off in to the real world and get their dream jobs, I have to admit that I'm pretty jealous. We started college at the same time and now I'm anxious to be living in the real world just like they are. While I am in no way actually prepared to start a career, I'm definitely looking forward to the day that I do.
4. "Is it time to graduate yet?"
I'm going to make the most of the rest of my time in college, but some days I just wish I was already done. It's not easy still being here when many of your friends are already starting their adult lives. The reason I'm here is to learn as much as I can to prepare for my future career. I might be impatient sometimes, but I will get there some day even though it'll be longer than the typical four year degree.
