In under a year I will be graduating from university. A few years or even a few months ago I would have said that I should know everything about what my life will look like when I graduate. Now, as I evaluate and prepare for graduation and what comes after it, I find myself grasping for purpose.
There have been rare points in my life where I am absolutely sure about something for myself. I have switched my focus or major multiple times, I've taken quarters off, I've worked as a waitress, a nanny, a receptionist, and I've found out more about myself by making these changes and taking the risks I have than I ever would have sticking to a traditional form of 4-year-college. I'm not saying that a strict 4-year-college would not educate someone else to the point that they are ready for the future, but it was not going to work for me.
Currently I take my classes online. The classes I take will lead to a bachelor's degree just like all the other students at my university, but it allows me the ability to travel, explore my passions, and take my learning at the pace I need. I have been in this form of learning for a little over a year and it was one of the best decisions of my life, second to moving to Seattle in the first place.
So onto what I figured out in the time I spent away from college and while in my online program.
1. It's okay to have no idea what you're doing.
I spent so much time while I was on campus looking around and feeling like I had no purpose and that everyone else did. They had a solid major picked, a part-time job, internships lined up, etc. I was skipping half of my classes and had no idea what I wanted to do when I left here. It led to me actually stepping back from college and asking myself "what do I want?" "where do I want to be in 5 years?" "what do I not want?".
2. What you're supposed to do isn't always what you should do.
A lot of people make decisions early on because it's what they're supposed to do. Stop doing that. Right now. STOP.
The best things that have happened in my life have happened because I went outside of what I was supposed to be doing. Should you start a business while you're a full time student? probably not. Did that stop me? No.
I'm not saying you should shove off all your responsibilities to follow your passions, but I am saying that you should give them a shot every now and then.
3. Enjoy the ride.
We've all been at that point in a semester where it feels like the weight of all your classes, your degree, and your entire future are all crashing down on top of you. No? Just me?
Work hard, get your assignments in, study for what you need to, but don't forget to enjoy the time you have before you graduate.
Ask ANYONE who is past graduation and they will tell you "oh just wait" or "enjoy it while it lasts" which is exactly what you should do!
Spend time with friends, go on a three week road trip over the summer, binge watch EVERYTHING, when are you going to be this age and have this kind of time alone or with friends again?
When I have no homework and no work work do you think I'm being productive? Most likely not. I am watching Parks & Rec while spending hours on Pinterest because who am I responsible for? Myself and my dog. I WILL enjoy this while it lasts.
4. Remember how awesome and loved you are.
Spend time with your parents, your friends, your loved ones, or whoever makes you feel good about the amazing person you are. So much of our lives are online and when you're 6 weeks into a semester, trust me, you need a little human to human time. Did that sounds weird or is it just me?
Anyways, invite a friend over for a movie, dinner, whatever, go visit your mom or dad or cousin, ask your significant other for a "no phones allowed" date.
Anytime I put time aside to just be with the people I care about, I ALWAYS feel better afterwards.
You are doing the best you can. Take a beat and look around at all the great things you have worked for and been lucky enough to have.
In conclusion...
The main point I'm trying to get across is that the stress of figuring out your entire life before you graduate is going to mess with these 4+ years you have to learn more about yourself. You will make mistakes, it's going to be okay, you're going to be okay, but being a stress ball of unsocial worry is not going to help you get anywhere.
Let me know in the comments what you do to de-stress or if you have any tips for others trying to figure out their path.
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