Being a senior in college can sometimes make you feel like you’re in limbo. This is the time when you’re expected to be an adult, yet your parents still bother you every day about how you’re doing and if you’ve found a job yet (or even bothered to apply). We can only cross our fingers and hope we’re impressive enough to make it after college. I don’t need lots of money, I just need my parents to leave me alone!
And maybe money…
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user 401 (K) 2013)
Pro #1: You don’t need a real job yet.
Dealing with classes, essays and exams can be overwhelming for a senior with a full schedule. Whether you have a part time job on the side or not, we still aren’t a part of the real world yet. After classes and homework are done, we party. Adults rest.
Con #1: You need to find a real job for the future.
I have five classes to keep up with and now my parents are bugging me about job applications?! This is the time of year when we register for our last semester and then have to think about who would want to hire us after graduation. Apply everywhere that has an opening. The more you apply the greater possibility of getting an interview or a job offer, and you can always change your mind if a better opportunity comes along!
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user HeadCRasher)
Pro #2: Everyone is of legal drinking age
All of your friends can go out to bars or clubs without the awkwardness of getting a fake ID taken away. One of the best things on the weekend is a taxi ride with friends and not worrying about an undercover cop pulling you aside to ask questions. Sometimes the compulsion of reassuring cops that you’re legal comes into play when you have nothing to worry about. “Do you want to see my ID? Because I’m legal!”
*I don’t recommend approaching cops. I was the person who had the great idea to badger the police department on Mill one night, so I’m sharing some insight. They were on horses. I just wanted to pet them.
Con #2: Underclassmen are the worst to live around as a Senior
Living in an apartment complex where 70% of residents are in the Greek system, I never go a day without hearing blaring music or people partying until the early morning. It never stops. GO TO SLEEP!
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Hades2k)
Pro #3: No more General Ed. Classes!
Now you can actually study what you want, without having to go by a strict set of predetermined classes (which you never really paid attention in anyway). I think that this makes going to classes and putting work into them actually worth it because you enjoy them and it’s not forced onto you like my geology lab. I’m an English major, uuuuhhhhh I don’t know anything about rocks? GET ME OUT.
Con #3: There is no room left to mess it up.
When we are sophomores or juniors, it’s easy to drop a class and sign up for something else to replace it the next semester. As a senior, you can’t back out. If you want to graduate on time and not suffer a semester alone without your friends, you have to buckle down and take the year seriously. Although this is a con, I guess it’s bittersweet. You have accomplished so much and worked so hard only to graduate and search for your place in the workforce.
Sometimes staying in school sounds much easier, but this is the time to push yourself and prove that you can be an independent adult who figures out how to be successful after college (without your parents interrogating you every day). If you are lucky enough to find your passion during your last year of college, embrace it. Decide how you want your life to be when school ends and the real world begins. Make it happen for yourself!