Well folks, we made it. We’ve come so far, the end is in sight, and in a few short months we have to say goodbye to what many of us would consider the best years of our lives thus far. These past four years have seemed so short, but I can’t say I wasn’t warned. My family and friends told me countless times at the start of my freshman year that my college days would fly by, and that I should try to make the most of them. They couldn’t have been more right. Four years ago, I started my freshman year of college, I blinked, and now it’s almost time to say goodbye.
Goodbyes are never easy, but it’s not all sappy and sentimental. Many of us are ready to move on, and although we will miss the days where it was socially acceptable to wake up at 8:00 a.m. on game day and immediately go out to the front yard to shotgun a beer, we are ready to face the real world and all it has to offer.
Here are 10 thoughts that every senior has in their final semester of college:
“What am I going to do after college?”
This is the big one. This is the thought that looms over our heads like a little gray cloud releasing a continual downpour. It’s the thought that causes panic attacks and keeps you up at night, vigorously perfecting your resume over and over again. You’ve worked so hard for this diploma that is supposed to help you land a post graduation job, so why can’t this next step be a little easier?
“Maybe I don’t need a job; I’ll pursue the life of a trophy wife (or husband)”
All hope is lost. There are no jobs out there for you; it’s time to rely solely on your charm and good looks.
“To go out, or not to go out. That is the question.”
As a senior, you have become all too familiar with this constant battle each weekend. The decision to go out and attempt to live up the last few weekends you have in your perfect little college town, or to stay in and binge watch Netflix because you’re too old for the never-changing party scene is a tough one. Lately, Netflix has been winning.
“Can I still live with my best friends?”
You’ve become so used to living with your friends, and it’s hard to imagine not coming home to them every day. These are the people who have been with you through the ups and downs. The people who have held your hair after a wild night out, participated in random dance parties with you before your big exam just to pump you up, and laughed with you uncontrollably until you all burst out into tears. They are your soul mates. They know you inside and out, but the sad truth is, you are likely to end up scattered across the country after graduation.
“I’m too old for this”
Ah, this is the answer to everything senior year. Use it. You've done your time.
“What is my favorite bar going to do without me?”
As a senior, your “fratting” days have probably come to a close and you have upgraded to your beloved college bar. This bar has become your home, your escape from school, and the place where your paychecks go to die. You’ve given this bar your laughs, your tears, your money, and your liver. All we ask for is a little love in return.
“I never have to take finals ever again”
No more cramming, no more all-nighters, no more homework, and no more grades. There is no such thing as dead week or finals week in the real world. I am convinced that the stress of finals took years off my life.
“I have to pay to graduate? I just paid for four years of college!”
This concept seems ridiculous to me. You just spent four years giving your time, energy, and copious amounts of money to this school, and now they are forcing you to pay a graduation fee, as well as pay to rent a cap and gown that you have to return right after the ceremony.
“What if I trip on stage at graduation?”
Well, at least tripping on stage at graduation in front of thousands of people still wouldn’t come close to being considered my most embarrassing moment in college.
“What I would give to be a freshman again”
As our time comes to a close, it is time for all of the incoming freshman to tour the campus and get familiar with the place they will have the privilege of calling home for the next four years. It's hard not to envy them. They all have clean slates, and four short years to make memories that will last a lifetime.
To all of the graduating seniors, congratulations! You're so close to being done. It's terrifying and so surreal, but it's coming fast and we need to take that next step. Let's make the most of the time we have left.
