It’s surreal to think that not so long ago I was a high school senior facing the stress and uncertainty of college applications and wondering where time had gone during my four years of high school. But as I and many college seniors are preparing to graduate, a common question that many begin to ask is “Where did the time go?” I decided to question two college seniors here at SFA about their readiness to graduate, and for advice they have for any incoming seniors about the journey that they are about to embark.
Kera:
Photo by LaShauna Bell for Her Campus at SFA
Joy: “So, it has been four years since you graduated from high school?”
Kera: “Yes, four and a half going on five.”
Joy: “Yes, four and a half years since you have graduated from high school, so how have you changed in the past four and a half years since being a senior in high school, to now being a senior in college?”
Kera: “Well high school I was more nonchalant and lazy about my activities, and very unaware of the real world and how it worked, as far as like when you’re an [adult] you got to earn a paycheck, pay your bills. High school was more fun-filled. You were in groups and with your friends, and you guys just met in the cafeteria and stuff. But in college, your life doesn’t quite work out like that anymore. Like the real world isn’t quite what you been living. You got to go to work and it’s like you want to make something of yourself, not just go about your daily routine. I’ve learned a lot about responsibility, I’ve matured as in learning how to be a better person, a better Kera. Also, I’ve changed mentally in a lot of ways. I’m not as naïve about a lot of things. I learned that there are always two sides to every story, whether good or bad. I’m definitely still growing though!”
Joy: What is the most surprising thing that you have learned about yourself from these four years?
Kera: “So far I think that I have a big heart, and that I may have allowed some people to take advantage of me, not to be negative! But I learned that sometimes you must put your foot down and that’s part of life. I have also learned to overcome my challenges and to not dwell on them. So, learning experiences and to not dwell on my mistakes, and to think of them a well, that’s just life’s path, and to continue to grow off them.”
Joy: What is something that you would ask yourself back as a senior in high school?
Kera; “Definitely what legacy do you want to leave? Do you just want to be the average Joe, or do you want to leave a legacy?”
Joy: “What advice do you have for people who deal with mental health or on dealing with the stress many face in college?”
Kera: “Don’t be afraid to seek help. There are counselors here that are ready to help you, and you’re already paying for it. Also try to talk with your close friends and family if that makes you more comfortable.”
Tolu:
Photo by LaShauna Bell for Her Campus at SFA
Joy: “It has been five years since you graduated from high school, how have you changed during these five (years) since being a senior in high school, to now being a senior in college?
Tolu: “I’ve changed in a lot of ways, but I also think that fundamentally I’ve stayed the same. I think the biggest thing is pride. I try not to associate my identity with my performance. Because when I have done that in the past, it’s like a warped view of reality.”
Joy: What are some things that you thought were of so much importance in high school that you don’t see as such a big thing anymore?
Tolu: “Being liked or cool. In high school I had this group of friends and we called ourselves ‘The Ratchet Skanks’.”
Joy: As a now college senior, can you compare the two feelings of being a high school senior about to graduate versus a college senior about to graduate?
Tolu: “Wow, so I actually thought about this last week. As I was leaving high school I felt very hopeful for the future. It was like daunting, but also exciting, and I was excited where’d they will take me. And it has taken me where I did not expect to go! I didn’t expect this, but I love it, and I’ve learned so much about like giving my life to Christ and to roll with the punches, and commit to succeeding or at least try, because when you’re at least trying, a gem comes out of that regardless. So yeah, right now I’m applying to grad schools, and I have no idea where it will take me and I mean it might take me somewhere I don’t expect… once again. But I’m glad that I have proven to myself that I am flexible, and that I can be happy wherever I go.”
For you high school seniors, or even college freshman, these are going to be four years that you can’t get back. So, get ready, because these could be the best four years if you let yourself grow, and experience new things. The thing about life is that it keeps going. So, I encourage you to take a step back and to take in every moment.