If you know me personally, you know I’m usually not phased by getting older and growing up. In fact, that’s all I have ever wanted to do. For my 16th birthday, I wanted to open a bank account and tour a college campus. But now that I’m a senior at the University of South Carolina, my brain cannot seem to wrap around that.
People weren’t lying when they said these four years would go by super fast. I’m glad I made the decision to stay for all four years, I don’t think I would be as happy if I graduated in three. But my only question is “What’s next?“. I have a plan, and I even have a back up plan, and a back up plan for that, so I don’t know why I’m so worried.
Am I just a student?
I never thought in a million years that being a student would become a personality trait of mine, but honestly I’m good at being a good student. I always have been. I took pride in being an honor student in elementary school, it was hard work for an eight year old. But what if I don’t get into law school or grad school? Will I lose that studious part of myself?
My senior year of college has gone decently, so far. I’ve made lots of connections already and have figured out that I love having a schedule and being balanced. The summer was so hectic for me not having the same schedule, but it allowed me to explore my spontaneous self. I hope that my readers are able to do something similar, too.
Senior-Itis
The senior-itis is definitely kicking in hardcore. For instance, I’m taking two creative classes for my advertising major and I have zero interest in going into the creative field. I don’t want to do art copy, so my brain is like “Why are we even bothering?”, which sucks because that’s so not me. My best advice to anyone who is going through the same thing is to focus on getting the A in the class. Who knows, I might change my mind in a few weeks and realize I do love art copy and to heck with being a lawyer!
Going through all these changes is a lot for me, it’s made me feel like a different person. I’m glad I have the resources and support that I have, but sometimes I need a little more than that.
Feeling stuck?
If you’re feeling stuck in your senior year, talk to an advisor or faculty member that you trust. Ask them what kind of skills they see from you, that could really tell you what you’re going to be great at in the future. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone about your struggles, because I promise we’ve all been there.
Meditation
Try some sort of meditation. I’ve been feeling very overstimulated lately and I can’t focus on anything. Whenever I realize my brain is going fifty million miles an hour, I stop what I’m doing and play a Spotify playlist that relates to my current mood. If you looked at my Spotify search history you’d see lots of searches for “Feeling Overstimulated and Crazy”.
Yoga
Yoga can be really beneficial, too! I didn’t get into yoga until about a year ago and my muscles are forever thankful for it. You honestly don’t even need equipment for this, but having a cute yoga mat makes it more fun. You have to separate yourself from your stress and really focus on your mind + body, otherwise it’s not going to work. I can 100% admit that some yoga sessions aren’t what I plan because I’m being too stubborn. Open your mind and your body to things that will help you destress.
Writing
This might sound cliché, but writing has been the biggest source of therapy for me for as long as I could write. I love writing out my feelings, or even simple thoughts. My journals (like all 50 of them) have random thoughts or doodles, just a way for me to release the emotions I’m feeling. I highly recommend this.
Being a senior in college is scary, but I want to enjoy my last moments of my undergrad. It’s going to be hard and there will be times I’m stressed, but I hope it’s a good year overall.
Here’s to my senior year!