My boyfriend graduated from college last month, and while I am nothing but proud of him, it was also very discouraging for me to be there. I just completed by fifth year of college and no, I’m still not done. But before you jump to conclusions about how I don’t have my life figured out yet or how I should have a degree already, let me explain.

I completed my first year of college at a different school in north Idaho. School was hard, being without my parents was hard and having only a few friends made it miserable. To say the least, I hated school and everything that went along with it. I had decided over Christmas break that I wouldn’t be returning the following year. I applied to Idaho State University and got accepted without even stepping foot on the campus. I didn’t care though. Any change was going to be good enough for me. The following year, I came to ISU without my parents and without knowing anyone. I was nervous, but determined to get involved and make my second year of college much better than my first. While transferring schools was much better for my social life, it made it extremely difficult with my school life. I was basically starting from scratch when it came to classes.

I jumped into my classes and social life head first. I was involved, I had friends and I even met a boy! Life was exciting and I completed the following two years with ease. At the end of my third year, one of my advisers was trying to persuade me to apply to the sign language interpretation program. I wanted to, but if I got accepted, then I would have to move to Boise (four hours away!). I debated between going to Boise to complete a program that I loved or staying in Pocatello where I had finally made a home for myself and completing the education program, which I also loved. How could I move again when I fought so hard for what I had?

After many life talks with my friends and family, I decided to stay in Pocatello to complete my education degree, only to find out that I faced yet another hurdle: The education program was revamping. I now had to wait for the classes I needed to come back around on their two-year rotation. While all of this was extremely frustrating, I had to learn to find the positivity in it all. I have a degree in sign language, and I have my best friends. I am happy with where I live and who I surround myself with.

I have heard so many people complain about hating school or hating the university that they are at. If you don’t like it, then be brave enough to go somewhere else . If you are not happy with your major, then have the guts to change your mind!

People often ask me what year I am in college. I’m a senior, again. And they make jokes about how “isn’t it only supposed to take four years?” You’re right, maybe it is. But I have gained so much more experience and learned so many more life lessons in my five years of school than I could have ever hoped for. So before you ask me, “Are you ever going to graduate?” just know that I do not apologize for be brave enough to transfer schools and having the guts to change my major. I’m happy, with myself and my major. And I’m the only person that I have to please.