An Open Letter To College Seniors | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

An Open Letter To College Seniors

College is not forever

4
An Open Letter To College Seniors
pexels

So you are starting your senior year.

You are either relieved to get out of what feels like a four-year prison, apprehensive because soon you will be “adulting” or excited for a new adventure - plus a variety of other thoughts and feelings.

For me, senior year was a combination of being filled with joy for familiar faces, fear for the future, and determination to engage with my final year of college and step into the next portion of my life.

So now it is your turn. Below are three things that I want you to remember as you enter your senior year of college.

Give Your Body and Mind Rest

So, this is the part in the article where I didn’t follow my own advice. Every event, every activity or friend gathering I went to. With the rest of my time I was at work, doing homework and projects, and fulfilling campus roles I held.

I didn’t sleep for two semesters. Yes, I made some great memories, but, I suffered greatly from sleep deprivation and lack of self-care. As a consequence, when I graduated my problems, insecurities, and fears that I had been pushing away surfaced. Post-graduation I am still sifting through them. There is great value in rest and reflection. With this, you will have the space to process and enjoy your current season in life, as you prepare for the next.

Pursue People

Above your academics, your success, and your wants – pursue people. Spend time with the individuals whom you have shared the heartaches, the stresses and joys of college. While you are spending time with them, make space for those younger than you as well. Spend time with one or two underclassman, at dinner, for a cup of coffee or campus event. Ask them questions, challenge them, but most importantly be vulnerable with them. As an underclassman did you have it all figured out? Not at all. The sweetest times during my senior year was sitting with a younger girlfriend of mine in her dorm room, crying and laughing together. Sharing the hard times, and your weaknesses people is a beautiful way to impact them. Leave college with relationships, not just a degree.

College Is Not Forever

Let me repeat that, college is not meant to be forever. College is an awesome time to grow in many areas before you actually have to become an adult. The community is instant, you understand the expectations for class and involvement on campus, there is food available (that is important) and more. Your life is mostly predictable and taken care of. However, when you receive your diploma, that all changes. After college you have the freedom to make choices for how your life will look. College is not meant to be forever. And that is OK.

Enjoy your senior year. I wish you the best as you learn and grow during this time!

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.

178144
 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

5313
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...

451218
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.

22602
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