To The Girl During Her Last Semester Of College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

An Open Letter To The Girl Who Thought She Would Never Graduate College— You’re Almost There

Here I am, a fifth-year student but finally an "official" senior.

223
An Open Letter To The Girl Who Thought She Would Never Graduate College— You’re Almost There
https://unsplash.com/photos/CuVtBUNqj3Y

When I was 18 I was worried that I wouldn't follow through with college.

None of my cousins have, and even my friends have dropped out as well. Nothing against them, but I've always seen myself in that cap and gown getting my college diploma. It has always been a goal, heck it's always been a dream. I want a job in my career and enjoy what I do for work instead of just having a random job to make ends meet that I hate going to every day.

Here I am, a fifth-year student but finally an "official" senior.

The path has been very bumpy and there has been a ton of twists and turns, but I've finally made it to my last semester of college, ever. (Well until grad school but universe give me a couple of years to get my act together, please.) Here is a letter for myself, and hopefully, it'll get you through your final semester too.

To the girl who thought she would never graduate college, this is for you.

It is your last semester of college ever! I never thought we would see this day coming. You're exhausted, you're burnt out and just want to escape the classes, exams, and even the dorms. I know, but you're so close to the finish line you can see it, (physically penned in your planner).

It's okay if it's taken you longer than planned to get your degree. The stress and expectation of going to college for four years only hurt student's mental health in the end. Be kind to yourself. You've applied for graduation, you have planned out who you're giving your graduation tickets to etc. Let that be your drive to the finish line.

Only a couple of more months of the late nights in the library. Only a couple of more months of drinking too much caffeine as you head to your fourth class of the day. Only a couple of more months of making flashcards online, and only a couple of more months of group projects and papers we all dread. Only a few more months of uncomfortable one on one conferences with your professors, and only a few more months with your friends.

You love your friends, I know. They've gotten you through some of your darkest days, breakups, and have stayed up late watching Netflix eating take out. When you leave, you're leaving some of them behind. That's the worst about being friends with younger people in your program. Yet the real friends you'll still talk to weekly, and it's okay if it's not daily. Know they're excited for you to graduate college and will be cheering you on from the sidelines. Across the river, across the state, or across the country. It's not going to be goodbye forever.

There is a lot of stress leading up to your last semester. You have your capstone presentation and thesis's due and honestly, it's terrifying. The pit in your stomach only grows more thinking about it. Hey, you're going to do great. You're passionate about your degree and let that show, your professors want to see the love and passion for the things they taught you and see that you are also passionate about that topic and profession.

Please remember to eat breakfast, drink lots of water and make sure you're getting enough sleep. I know you probably laughed at that because I did too. But seriously, try to take care of yourself the best you can. Use that free college gym while you still have it, and don't burn yourself out too fast at the beginning of the semester, because it's a long one.

Lastly, don't wish it to go by so fast. Live in the moment. Stay up a little late that one night to eat ice-cream and watch a special on tv with your friends. Enjoy your classes with your favorite professors even if you're physically dragging yourself to class because you're exhausted beyond compare. Yes, they will be there still via email when you graduate, but it's not the same. Take a picture of the beautiful campus you walk across every day in your mind. Yes, it will always be there, but you'll get a little homesick from it (as silly as that sounds).

You're so close to your big day of walking across the stage and praying you don't fall on your face. Don't give up now, keep going. You're so so so close to a new beginning.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179400
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6535
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452015
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23022
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments