Whether you’re about to be a freshman, sophomore, or junior in college reading this, let me tell you, college goes by FAST. Seniors, you know what I mean when I say that it feels like you were just a freshman last week. When you reach junior year of college, you realize that you need to enjoy every moment that comes next, since the last two years went by in a blink. Here are some of the realizations that many soon-to-be juniors face.
1. How much you've grown.
College is the place for you to grow into an adult. It provides a platform for you to be on your own schedule and for you to learn how to be a responsible, independent being. Being placed in an environment like this will inevitably change you, and looking back at the first half of college will make you realize how much you've changed as a person.
2. How much you do, or don't, know how to cook.
Some people love to cook on their own, and some of us may dread the idea. For those starting to live in an apartment your junior year, you realize how much you need to learn how to cook what you want to eat, if you don't know how to already.
3. What you're going to major in.
By the halfway mark in college, you should be pretty settled down on what you’re going to major in and what type of job you want after college. If you decide on a major change during or after junior year, you might be looking at a 5 or 6 year plan.
4. What your priorities are.
Everyone spends their time in college differently, depending on their priorities. These priorities can include social activities, RSOs, studying, sports, and working out, amongst many others. By this point in college, you have at least a general idea of how much of your day is spent doing these different activities.
5. What your plans after college are.
The first two years of college gives you a lot of time and experience for thinking about what you want to do after college. Even though it doesn’t have to be set-in-stone by your junior year, you should be taking steps to enhance your resume for the field you want to get into. Job shadowing, internships, and co-ops are great ways to take steps forward for your career after college.