Senior Column: Coming to terms with graduation

I’ve been in school for almost all my life. The idea of being done with education in the next month is daunting. I am sure many other seniors have similar feelings of general anxiety about heading into the workforce. 

Graduation is right around the corner, and I will miss hanging out after classes. I’ll miss interacting with my professors, my clubs and my classes. 

I have been in school for almost 18 years. It is the only life I and many others have ever known. Although I hated the long study nights, early morning classes and the papers I procrastinated until the last minute, it still felt like home.

It has been comforting knowing that tomorrow is another day of learning. Other than the subjects, school isn’t very different from what I was doing five to 10 years ago.

I have spoken with many seniors and we are anxious about graduation and getting a job within our field. Being in school and preparing for our future has been our sole goal up until now. Now, we are moving into that mystical future that our teachers were preparing us for.

Getting a job is no easy work, and the process of applying is so tedious and frustrating. It has gotten to the point where I am happy I even got an email back from companies I’ve applied to. 

Although, it is not all doom and gloom. Many of my classmates are looking forward to a 9 to 5, keeping work where it belongs and having time to live at home without worrying about the next test or big assignment.

Despite my pessimistic view of the immediate future, I still have plans, including playing lots of gigs at bars and venues for my band Deadbeat Daycare. College forced me to put it on several temporary holds and it will be nice to play regularly.

I also plan on working on my portfolio and resume while I apply. I plan on taking time to do things I haven’t been able to do because of school. Lastly and most importantly, I will work towards getting my career started. 

I will never forget my time at college and I doubt any of you will. But any anxiety, doubts or worries will melt away in time.