As the first semester of my junior year was underway and the time to schedule for spring semester came close, I decided to look at what remaining requirements I needed for my major and minor. I was shocked to find out that I was nearly done with all the requirements. I would be done with my major and minor after spring semester and would just need to take a couple of classes during the May semester to get my degree and graduate. While it would be great to graduate early and save money, something made me pause. I didn't feel ready to graduate. Not when it felt like I've barely completed college.
My original plan after figuring out whether to graduate early or find a way to meaningfully fill up my remaining year was to add a second minor. Even then, I would still be placed at graduating a semester early; while at first, I thought this might be a good idea, I started having second thoughts. What would I do with my apartment lease if I had to move somewhere else for a job? Was it really worth it to graduate at an "awkward" time? After much debate and stress, I decided to stay for a full fourth-year and add a second degree.
Some people would jump at the opportunity to graduate early; no classes, no tuition, total freedom into adulthood. I, however, didn't feel ready. Going to college has definitely helped me to grow up and learn about what life on my own would be like, I couldn't imagine graduating a whole year early and entering the workforce. I couldn't imagine trying to find a job with little experience and no clear-cut vision on my career path. Graduating early wouldn't have helped me, even if it did mean saving money; it just wasn't' the right choice for me. I needed more time in college to develop my skills through internships, learn more about my future profession, and explore what I want to do after graduation.
Adding a second major rather than graduating early is not something I regret at all. I chose to add my double major in journalism since I really enjoy writing. So far, I am enjoying all my courses and learning more about a field that ties closely with my other major, centered around public relations. Adding a second major has opened my eyes to more career paths I can take after graduation and makes me think that I may be interested in involving journalism to my post-grad life. While my decision to not graduate early might cost money, the experiences I'll gain will help to repay that debt and make it worth it.