I remember when my parents dropped me off for my freshman year of college. I was so excited and scared that I felt like I might throw up from nerves. Would I like my roommate? What if I don’t make friends? Will my classes be hard? That day feels both like yesterday and forever ago. I am not the same person I was freshman year–no where close. From everyone–your friend’s older siblings, your parents, and media, you are told that these four years will be the best of your life. But they will also be the shortest.
I have met some of the best people over these years. My friends have made me into a better version of myself. I honestly do not know what I would do without them, I would be lost. If I didn’t have them to vent to or simply complain–I would go crazy. I am forever grateful to have found people who put up with me when even I can’t sometimes.
The last four years has been filled with so many great memories, and not so great ones. I’ve made mistakes and learned from them, some more than others. I don’t consider myself to be the same person I was when I came here as a freshman. One day, you’re 18 and watching your parents drive away as they leave you in front of your dorm and you’re trying not to cry. The next you’re somehow 21, looking at grad schools or jobs and wondering what comes next.
It is okay to not know
If there was one thing I wish someone told me it would be that it is okay to not know what you are doing. When I came into college I was an occupational therapy major. I’ve changed my major three times while in college in order to find what I truly love, and that is okay. It is okay to not know.
I still don’t know what I am doing. I had no idea I wanted to apply to grad school until this summer. It is the middle of October and I have made little effort on my applications because of a) laziness and b) life. I had no idea what the GRE was until I was talking to a coworker over the summer at my waitressing job. No clue it existed until that point.
You might have 5 existential crises in a week
I constantly change my mind. One day I am applying for grad school and the next I am looking for jobs. I don’t know what will happen in May. I might be going to grad school somewhere back home, or I might not. It’s not too late to change your mind.
Someone asking you what you are doing after graduation might give you a mental breakdown
Just yesterday someone asked me the friendly question “So what are your plans after graduation?” and I said “No clue!” , started thinking about the future later on, and might have cried in the library bathroom (quietly of course. You learn these things).
Career Services is your friend
I honestly do not know why I haven’t gone to career services more during my college career. They can help you get your resume and cover letter perfected, learn more about grad school, and so much more valuable information that anyone–not just seniors–can use.
It’s okay to not have a plan
I used to think I had my life figured out. But then I changed my major three times and realised maybe I didn’t really know what I wanted anymore. It is okay to still be figuring things out. Yes, it is scary. But this is the truth.
You will be emotional
The thought of graduating fills me with both pride, excitement, and extreme sadness. I love my college, I love my friends, I love this town which I have lived in most of the year for four years. I don’t want to leave. The thought of saying goodbye makes me tear up and it is only October.
It goes faster than you think
Before I left for college, I was told to enjoy every minute, because it will be over before you know it. Four years seemed like a lifetime, and I thought they were wrong. Turns out I was wrong. These four years have both been the shortest and longest four years of my life, and I wish time would slow down more than anything, because it is almost over.
I don’t know how I got to this point. To be honest , I thought senior year would never happen until it finally did. It’s terrifying and exciting and I have no idea what will come next but I have my whole life to figure that out along the way.