New Priorities and Circumstances Accompany Senior Year
“These four years will fly by.” How many times have you heard that cliché? I know I was told that when I entered both high school and college, and it is more of a reality than I ever expected.
As this semester of my senior year rapidly comes to an end, I’ve had my moments of reminiscing about my previous three years at the University. My father was so accurate in telling me that I will enter college as a young girl and leave as a young lady.
Of course, four years ago, I thought he was just commenting on my high school immaturity and little knowledge of the world. Now, I hope to offer meaningful insight on the “growing up” that takes place during the college years.
I have made so many changes to my lifestyle since my freshman year that thinking of the habits I had back then is quite amusing. The following is the shortest advice I could possibly give about the most common habits that I had during my previous three years of college (most underclassmen probably have them too) and how I approach similar issues today.
However, I am taking a unique stance by deciding if I am too old for the following habits that I used to consider the norm.
Am I too old for: finding the most outrageous frat or toga party? Yes. As a freshman, dressing up in a bed sheet wrapped uncomfortably around my torso was apparently one of the best ways to meet new people, and so was paying a $10 cab ride to a party where you were so easily identifiable as a freshman that it was basically self-torture.
Looking back, none of those people I met are my friends today, and I would much rather wear jeans and a tee to a place where I know I have good company. Underclassmen, enjoy these days before you realize how silly they were!
Am I too old for: skipping class? Too many upperclassmen’s dismay, yes. It seemed like a difficult concept to wrap my head around a few years ago, but I pay a high tuition to attend class. I do think that, as a senior, intentionally not going to class is just pure laziness compared to it being an immature decision as an underclassman.
Prioritizing has become a skill that I’ve learned through my many years of schooling. If a class, meeting, internship, or job is “worth missing” at this point, then your level of responsibility and reliability isn’t worth a career.
There are many hours in a day to find spare free time to yourself instead of skipping out on a priority.
Am I too old for: roommate conflicts? So far, I’ve experienced at least one issue every year with a roommate. So I don’t think a person can ever be too old for conflict because it is a part of life. However, the way I handle situations has drastically changed.
As a freshman and sophomore, I thought ignoring the problems that were obvious would solve all issues, but that only created more tension and added a heap of unnecessary stress. Approaching any problems that arise right away is the best way to grow as a communicator, negotiator, and mature person. Disagreements will happen, and they might continue after talking it out, but being comfortable in your environment and own skin is always most important.
Am I too old for: sleeping in on weekdays? Again, to many people’s dismay, yes. This semester gave me a brutal awakening to the real world with my internship in New York City. 7:00 am. would be considered a late start to my morning.
Although my years as an underclassman were always focused on preparing for a career, my senior year made me realize how different it is from college. Underclassmen, enjoy your sleep while you are able to get plenty of it.
In my opinion, seniors should already put themselves in situations that force them to wake up early, be it a class, workout, job, or internship. Doing so will make the transition to a job much smoother and more enjoyable.
These were just four quick memories that were so prevalent during my years as an underclassman. College really does allow a person to flourish as an individual in every aspect of his or her life.
As stated when I began, these four years really do go by quickly.
Don’t wait until the end of your college career to make vital changes to your life that can have a great impact on the many years to follow.