Yes, it’s true ladies and gentlemen, I am on track to graduate with a college degree in four years. Seems strange since it feels like I just yesterday I moved out of the residence halls. The mixture of feelings that are surrounding me range from excitement, fear, euphoria, nervousness-honestly the list could go on. I would like to believe that I am not the only individual in this position, surrounded by conflicting feelings, but it is not something that is always talked about. I am going to lay all my senior cards on the table to show others that their feelings about graduating are valid. I decided to frame this as a way of seeing the worries of graduating as the positive realities they truly are.
Worry: Leaving all the friends and family I made in Springfield
Reality: Connections you made in college should be cherished. We are lucky enough to live in an age where it is rather easy to stay connected with one another. You may be surprised by how many people stay in your life even if you’re not in the same city.
Worry: I don’t know if I’m ready to fully be an “adult” yet. My mind is filled with car payments, rent, health insurance…
Reality: Yes, “real adulting” sounds scary when you think of all the factors at once. What you need to remember is you have spent the last four or so years not only growing academically, but also getting yourself ready to become an independent individual. And I’m going to tell you something the current adults in the world don’t want you to know…they still use Google.
Worry: I don’t want to lose my independence.
Reality: Figuring out where you are going to live after college is something that ultimately needs to be discussed and decided with your family, but I think there are pros to both sides of this decision. Being able to live on your own after college is nice to be able to maintain the freedom you were given in college. If you are planning to live back home, I encourage that you talk to your families about what expectations they and you have so that you can all be on the same page. My brother moved back home after he graduated and he and my parents discussed how it would be different from when he was in high school. It was decided that he would not have a curfew, but that they would like to know his plans to at least get a sense of where he was at. Even if it’s for a short amount of time, living at home could also help you save some money if you work during that time. For whatever you decide to do, just make sure it is still on the path of continuing your independence.
Worry: How am I going to get a job??
Reality: Alright so you’re going to leave Missouri State with a shiny piece of paper that says you know your stuff in a specific academic area, but then what? You shouldn’t feel stranded after you walk across that stage. First of all, it is still early enough for y’all to go to various events the Career Center has to offer regarding looking for jobs, filling out applications/resumes while you’re still a student. But also don’t forget that ‘once a bear, always a bear’, which means as an alumni you have the opportunity to also utilize the Career Center after graduation.
These are the main four that are encircling my mind right now, I’m sure I’ll have more to share with y’all as May quickly approaches!
Stay positive, Bears
~Zoë