As a freshman anything related to college seemed exciting. I wanted to be a part of everything. My serious case of FOMO led me to pursue many diverse opportunities. I dabbled in Greek life, joined clubs, participated in leadership seminars, listened to influential speakers, volunteered for the yearly fashion show, auditioned for vocal groups, became a part of a special Christian community and practiced my writing. I loved being part of campus life. Until I didn’t any longer.
Once senior year hit, my attitude suddenly changed.
After five years of taking classes, participating in on-campus activities and interning, I realized I was suffering from major burn out. I found it so hard to still maintain my drive. My once overtly-excited freshman attitude vanished. I suddenly had the urge to skip classes that I had never had before. I began enjoying working more than sitting in class, and obsessively began researching internship opportunities and jobs in my dream cities.
Basically, I did anything to keep my mind off where I currently was in life. I wanted to move on. But this took away from the present moment. While it’s not a bad thing to be excited to take the next step in life, it’s more rewarding to do your best and finish strong.
I took some time to reevaluate and feel thankful for this time in my life.
As a senior, it’s easy to overlook the opportunities the college years brought me. It becomes a routine, and I grew used to it. I didn’t see these years as something that would suddenly end. To me it felt eternal. But it would end, and then I would be left missing the part of life that I stopped appreciating. College has been so much more than just a place to take classes. It taught me many lessons.
Once I finally took some time to think about my experiences, I changed my perspective. Reflecting on the last couple years of my life led me to discover how lucky I was to get to experience a university that allowed me to grow as a person and figure out my place in the world. How awesome is it to know that every involvement, job, failure and class helped direct me to find not only my passions but myself? When I went away to college, my coursework and involvements blindsided me and my identity. Who was I without all of that?
College gave me the time to find out who I am without all the labels. I learned to never take college for granted. There are so many people that would love the opportunity to be in the same position.
Senior year should be the time to embrace the many lasts. It may be your last time writing for your campus newspaper, or performing in auditorium, or maybe last time getting your favorite brunch on a Sunday with friends.
Appreciate the many perks that you only get while in college. In the meanwhile, I’ll make sure to take advantage of my favorite college activity—walking around on campus sipping iced coffee taking in the beautiful scenic views of Indiana University.
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