It has been a long four months (and four years), but, seniors, we are finally almost there: the end of the semester. For some of us, that’s all this December is–another semester. For others, such as myself, it’s a bit more momentous than that.
Graduation: it’s a big, scary step for the majority of us.
(Josh Shettler/CU Independent Illustration)
Out of nowhere, you’re tossed into the big, bad, real world, and you realize that those “easy A” classes you’ve been padding your transcripts with were actually supposed to develop some sort of helpful life skill or qualify you for a job. That pre-graduation panic is entirely valid, and knowing how to deal can be stressful.
My first piece of advice would be to CHILL OUT. You are about to be a college graduate. Take a minute from your frenzied resume building and life planning to pat yourself on the back. Not everyone has the means, the opportunity, the ability, the stamina or the self-discipline to get through college. It is okay to act like the irresponsible 20-something that you are and celebrate the achievement.
Number two: Finish the semester strong. Don’t be that guy who has to return to campus for just one more class, because you let an evil voice in your head (commonly referred to as “senioritis”) convince you that you did not need to study for that last undergrad career final exam. Exigent circumstances exist, of course — if this is your case, do not feel bad. The key to keep in mind, though, is not to let things slip just before you reach the finish line.
Another key to a successful and semi-stress-free graduation (I know, it sounds impossible) is maintaining communication. For you December grads, you have most likely or have hopefully been meeting with your academic advisor a number of times, just to make sure all of those graduation ducks are in row. For those of you upcoming May grads or even next fall grads, it is time to start getting used to some more frequent chit-chats with your assigned advisor, as each department has its own team of them. Career Services, located in Center for Community room N352, can also be a great resource to expecting and recent grads, especially those on the job hunt. The center offers advice sessions and runs a number of workshops throughout the semester to help you transition from college student to “real adult” status.
For those of you who have not begun to plan for graduation — enjoy your college years because, as cliché as it sounds, they are definitely some of the best. Take home some of this advice so that when your graduation finally does roll around, you’ll be well-equipped to handle some of the debilitating stress that comes with post-graduation planning.
For those of you who are graduating this December, use the tools CU has given you to jumpstart that kick-ass career you have been dreaming up for the past four, five or more years. And, on behalf of the CU Independent staff, congratulations!
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Taryne Tosetti at Taryne.tosetti@colorado.edu.
