It’s January, which means it’s time for the cliché article about the rollercoaster that is being a second-semester senior. If you’re graduating in May, chances are you’ve been a basket case of emotions: simultaneously dreading and anxiously awaiting graduation day. Well, I’m here to help! Read below for some tips on how to make the most of your last semester at the University of Kentucky.
Don’t Wish It Away – I can’t emphasize this one enough. The closer we get to graduation, the more excited I am to finally be finishing my degree. I CONSTANTLY find myself laughing with family members, friends and fellow students about how stressful these past four years have been and how good it feels for it to finally be over. But, think about it – where else is it going to be acceptable to roll up in the morning wearing the same thing you slept in the night before? Rather than wishing it away, relish in it. Savor everything; from the late nights to the bottles of wine you drink with your girlfriends to the Tolly Ho you eat at 2:00 in the morning. Even the difficult times. Yeah, midterms and final exams suck. So do hangovers. But, also realize you’re never going to get these moments back. Please don’t wish it away.
Don’t Lose Sight of the Final Goal – Guys, you’re basically four months away from graduation. Don’t be that person who gets senioritis, starts embracing the “C’s get degrees” mentality and completely slacks off during their last semester. You’ve worked hard, so finish strong. I’m not saying to not have fun, but just make sure your Senior Capstone project is still your first priority.
Take Chances – You and your best friends will most likely go your separate ways after graduation. I’m not saying you’ll lose touch, but this might be the last time you and your best group of friends are all physically together in the same place. These people you’ve considered your biggest support system over the past four years might not be there come graduation day. So, take chances. Take risks. It could be small: maybe getting involved with a new organization on campus you’d never think you’d join. Or, take big risks: go on that spontaneous road trip with your friends and apply for your dream job.
Take pictures – and actually print them out. Every college kid KNOWS how unreliable technology is (I’m looking at you, Apple…). Instead of taking pictures, leaving them on your phone and computer, print them out. In 20 years, the chance that your prints have survived is significantly higher than that album on your iPhone 6.
Embrace the Fear of the Unknown – I actually have no clue what I’m going to do after graduation (terrifying, when some of your closest friends know they’re going to grad school or starting the jobs they’ve been fortunate enough to land). If you’re like me, this fear of the unknown can be daunting. Rather than looking at graduation with fear and stress, accept it. And, embrace it. This might be the first time in your life you have absolutely no plans for the days following the turning of your tassel. That’s not a bad thing! Relax, and realize that things will eventually fall into place. Trust me, they always do.
There you have it. I refuse to end this story with overused words of wisdom like “it’s not the end, it’s only the beginning” or “just enjoy the ride.” Yes, graduation is exciting and scary and overwhelming and intimidating, all at the same time. But, that’s life. Enjoy your final days at UK, but realize that the end is only what you make it.
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