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What to Expect When You’re Expecting…to Graduate

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

With graduation fast-approaching, emotions are at an all time high, motivation is at an all time low, and the days feel like they’re flying by. Here are some of the things you can expect in the next few weeks to come.

 

Job Search Craziness

Finding a job is no easy task; at least it hasn’t been for me. It can sometimes seem like you’re applying to job after job in vain, which can be stressful when your friends seem to have it all figured out. Don’t fret! So many people are in the same boat as you, and while it can be frustrating, you’ll figure it out just like everyone else. Be happy for your friends that know what they’re doing, be there for those who are still figuring it out, and keep on writing those cover letters. Your perfect job is out there.

So Many Feelings

On the one hand, I’m so excited to graduate and head out into the “real world.” On the other hand, I’m scared about the uncertainty of the future. I guess I’m out of hands now, but I’m also hopeful, nervous, happy, sad, and everything in between. There are some parts of me that are ready to get out of here, while other parts of me wish I could stay forever. No matter what you might be feeling, the next few weeks are probably going to be a roller coaster of emotion. Let your feelings flow!

Last-Minute Happenings

There’s probably a couple things you wanted to do during your four years at college that you maybe just never got around to. Whether it’s exploring a nearby town, trying that food place that you never seem to make it to, or finally starting a convo with that person you’ve been wanting to talk to, now is the time to make it happen. To do this, my friends and I made a little bucket list with some achievable goals to accomplish before graduation. Some are things we’ve never done, while others are things we just wanted to do one last time. Fingers crossed that we finish it!

Going Out (A Lot)

Being on the verge of graduating sort of makes it acceptable to go out all the time. Pretty soon you’ll be thrown into adult life, possibly far from your friends, with a real-person job. It’s okay to let loose with friends a little more than usual while you’re still living the college life. I’m not saying you should completely wear yourself out, but now is probably the time to be taking advantage of some Tuesday night karaoke sessions at the bars, or a darty here and there. It definitely won’t be as easy post-graduation.

Nostalgia

Now that graduation is so close, I can’t help the bittersweet feelings that are constantly coming up. Whether I’m walking through campus on a nice day and pause to take in the view, or I’m sitting with my friends thinking about all the times we’ve had together, there’s an ever-present nostalgia that seems to hang over everything. It’s a really sentimental time, so it makes total sense to be reflecting on the past four years. Just remember to also be in the moment as much as you can.

I know this time leading up to graduation is crazy, but just do your best to relax and make the most of it. At the end of the day, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Let yourself enjoy it!

 

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Maria Arvanitis

U Mass Amherst '19

Maria is a senior studying psychology and English at UMass Amherst. She has a passion for traveling, animals, and 80s movies, and her hair color is always changing. Find her on Instagram: @m.ria
Contributors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst