I never believed people saying how fast college would fly by, and yet, in a few short weeks, I’ll officially be a senior. Mentally, I still feel like it’s 2022, I just graduated high school and started at Stonehill. But it’s 2025, I’ve changed my major, found out so much about myself, and grown into the new version of myself that college has brought out. But being so close to the beginning of another end is a struggle. So, here are a few things I’m doing to remedy the burnout and emotions that come with writing the last few paragraphs for the college chapter of my life.
I’ve noticed this semester especially that I have burnout like the senioritis I experienced in high school. Someone mentioned that I have senioritis again, and I thought, “How could that be possible?” but considering next semester is my last of taking classes before full-time student teaching, it makes sense. Even though I want to attend graduate school, there’s a sense of an ending in front of me, and my graduate experiences will likely be a new beginning, even though it’s based on my work as an undergrad. With burnout, give yourself time to recharge. It can be hard when there are chapters of reading or piles of assignments due but be honest with yourself about what you need to get done and how you can do it effectively.
Even though I’ve dealt with a lot of burnout academically, I’m a person who likes having a lot on my plate work-wise. So, having several leadership roles in clubs around campus this year has been so fun. It can be tiring at times, finding places in your schedule, but it is so rewarding to run and plan things for clubs you genuinely love to be a part of. Even though I can hardly read another assignment for class, reading and editing Her Campus articles every week is one of my favorite activities. So, if you haven’t found any yet, find clubs that don’t feel like more work!
Along with being in clubs, I’ve been able to meet people through the clubs I’m involved in. My category of friends shifted vastly this year, but it gave me the opportunity to build closer relationships with people I have more things in common with. Even if you feel you have steady friendships on campus, I would still branch out and explore hanging out with people involved in some of the same extracurriculars as you! As this chapter wraps up, look for people who will stay with you through the next phase of life rather than being friends for convenience and proximity.
Also, know that you are smart and deserving of whatever career path you’re planning to enter in the next year. Now that I’m so close to student teaching, I’ve noticed I am really feeling the imposter syndrome that comes with doing something unknown. Sometimes, it can be good to feel a little down because it might help you realize that you don’t enjoy something you’ve been pursuing. But overall, imposter syndrome can hold you back from doing things you are more than capable of and more than deserving of.
While it might feel like you’re just holding your head above water until finals, soon enough you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel. The ending keeps getting closer and closer, so enjoy the ride while you still can!