If you’re in college and finishing later in the graduation game, you’re not the only one. The friends you once entered your freshman year of college with might all be graduating, making you feel like the odd one out, but it’s okay. While your friends are going on to post-college activities such as getting a job (or getting married, who knows?) and it seems you’re not reaching your full adult potential, here are some things to do to stay positive in the extra time you have in college:
1. Write Down Everything
Every experience that you find memorable, the college courses that interest you, the group projects you excel in, the presentations that make you feel accomplished, your jobs, professional activities, even the workout goals you've reached. If it makes you proud for having done it, write it all down. This list will become crucial in shaping your Resume, Cover Letter, preparation for interviews, shaping future goals, reminding you of your worth on your rainy days, and help you realize who you are as a person.
2. Take Pictures
Most people have a camera on their phone now. If you have access to a camera, go ahead and take pictures of the places you go, take selfies of your happy moments, your progress for workouts, the family outings, the hangouts with friends, and the people you love and care about. You won't have as much time on your hands when you're working full-time as when you are in college. Take advantage and plan adventures, documenting all the fun you have! These pictures will also give you an idea of the good times and loving people you can reach out to when you feel low.
3. Apply to Internships
Take advantage of your college's career center and apply to the internships that you know you can fit into your schedule and want to commit to. Apply to as many internships as interest you. Some of them are bound to be interested in taking you on for their team. If you find that you are no longer interested in an internship, be courteous and let the internship know politely. Internships are important because they help bulk up your experiences and can give you a boost when you do get out of college and are looking for a job. Don't underestimate the importance of developing skills (and maybe a possible reference for recommendation letters).
4. Volunteer
Giving back to the community always feels good and keeps your busy! Find volunteer opportunities that genuinely interest you that you want to do. These also help you build skills as well as a good reputation. Volunteering also humbles you and exposes you to new people that you can build lasting friendships with (and again, references, anyone?).
5. Listen to Stories
Talk to the people around you, whether in school, work, or a fellow grumbling passenger on a bus that is stuck in traffic. You can gain a lot of insight by listening to the stories people have and the experiences they went through. These stories will open your mind to the possibilities as well as hardship people face. If you're shy or have social anxiety, listen in on conversations others are having (but please, respect people's privacy and know when it is appropriate to tune out). By having conversations and listening more to the people around you, you'll build connections either with the people themselves or with the world. It's never too early or too late to make more friends!
6. Find a Mentor
Take advantage of the free time you have now that your friends are out of the way (just kidding) to find a mentor. If you find that you enjoy a certain professor, or your boss is one of the most admirable people in your life, and you want to follow in their footsteps, let them know! Most times, they are willing to lend you a hand and help you through any questions you have about working, your career field, graduate school, or even life pro tips. Don't limit yourself to one mentor, either! Feel free to reach out to any of the people who inspire you for advice and questions.
7. Think About the Future
Life after college. You have another semester or year to think about what you're going to be doing. Getting a job? Moving back in with parents? Going off to graduate school? Think of your many possibilities and make flexible plans. The most important thing is to be flexible and not put all your eggs in one basket. Have options open and explore new possibilities that you think would occupy you after college. Think about how you'll support yourself or what back ups you have in case your graduate school or job doesn't accept you immediately. By keeping your options open, you'll find that there are more ways that everything is going to turn out okay rather than not.
8. Revel in Yourself
You may not be graduating on time, but you got this far. You survived college until this point, so you can carry on for some more! Whatever your reason for taking some extra time, know that everyone goes at their own pace and focus on what makes you different from everyone else. Revel in your strengths and determination, the fact that you're still carrying on no matter how discouraging it can get. Not everyone graduates on time, and maybe the fact that you're not just adds to your credibility and perseverance!
