Now that reading week is over and FOCO has passed, the realization is setting in: I’m officially one-quarter through fourth year — my final year of undergrad at Queen’s. I try not to think too much about it by living in the present moment and taking each day as it comes, but that’s unsolicitedly interrupted every time my parents remind me about applying to master’s programs.
I’m sure a lot of other fourth years can relate to wanting to end their undergrad experience on a high note. One of my closest friends called this a “say yes” year, which so far has involved forming a variety of exciting plans. These past two months, I’ve partaken in a lot of brunches, going-out endeavours, and study sessions. Thankfully, this year’s FOCO was the best one yet, meaning I can end all of my previous experiences on a high note.
Despite this year being an excuse to take advantage of doing everything I’ve wanted to do, it also brings stressful things into the mix that weren’t relevant until now — the biggest being my future plans after I graduate. In March of third year, I wrote an article very similar to this one, discussing the nerves of soon beginning fourth year and my endless confusion over what path I wanted to follow. I was debating whether I wanted to pursue law, business, or a sociology graduate degree, and genuinely had no idea which of those I wanted to do.
Thankfully, since writing that, I’ve gained some clarity. I am beginning the process of applying to sociology master’s programs, with Queen’s and McMaster as my current top choices. I’m considering doing something social psychology/marketing related (so I still have a bit of business mixed in). McMaster’s sociology grad program provides the option to specialize in social psychology, which I’m very excited about. I am grateful to have gained some more insight into which direction I want my undergrad degree to take me, but now I have to worry about all the stressful things associated with the application process. Wish me luck!
I’m not sure how many other fourth years currently relate to this, but whenever my housemates and I discuss our future plans, we can’t do it without the elephant in the room being brought up: it’s our last year of living together. It makes me sad to think about, but I try not to worry about it too much. Constantly thinking about something that isn’t relevant until April distracts me from enjoying the way things are right now. I’d rather focus on making as many awesome memories in our house as possible than thinking about who is taking what with them when we all move out.
Even though each week is passing quicker than I’d like, it’s an important reminder not to take any day for granted and to live in the present moment. I’m going to try to take something positive from each day so that each week contributes to the amazing memories I’ll look back on when this school year is over.