As this semester winds down, many students, including myself are filled with excitement. Anxiety about my future accompanies my excitement. As of December 13th, 2019 I will no longer be a college student. All I have ever known was school. What will I do with all of my time?

I never expected to feel this way about school, since 2nd grade I’ve despised it. I never thought I would miss the homework. The writing assignments. The art of learning. But I’m afraid to leave it all behind and come into this new season of adulthood.

I must admit, I’m excited too. I’ve longed for this day, probably dreamt about it more times than I could count. I’ve always been excited to get to this point in my life. I can’t wait to work 40 hour work weeks. I can’t wait to not stress about deadlines and due dates. I may sound a bit crazy but I can’t wait to be an adult and have adult responsibilities.

For the first time in my life, my decisions are my own. My decision to not continue school is my own. My decision to be a dog groomer is my own. I’m not worried about what other’s may think or feel. This is where my gratitude comes in, I’m grateful that I realized my life is not tailored around what everyone wants for me.

I’m also grateful for the experience I was able to have. I met professors and faculty that saw value in me. I was able to flourish and grow. Most importantly, I was able to find myself and my passions.

As this season of my life comes to a halt and the anxiety and excitement bubble over inside of me, I will remember the attitude of gratitude that I had for such an experience. Instead of wowing professors, I’m ready to wow publishers. I’m ready to establish my career. I’m ready for this. I have always been ready for this, now it’s time to actually do it.

Thank you Fulton-Montgomery Community College.