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

An Open Letter To College Seniors

Guess what? You don't have to have it all figured out right now.

1250
An Open Letter To College Seniors
alex-stoddard.com

Dear college senior,

First off, congratulations! You have made it to your last lap in the college marathon! You are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and success is just around the corner. That’s how your year starts off.

As it progresses, you will start to see that light is coming from a freight train that's headed right at you. Now you'll have to study more, take more exams and juggle more. And you'll have to write a resume, cover letter and find a job on top of that? Like, what is that all about? You'll feel like you were 12-years-old just yesterday. You can't be just about to graduate from college, right?

Well, you are, and you have every right to be excited. You also have every right to be terrified. However, you feel, slow down enough to enjoy the last year of your college career. These are the days you will look back on forever. When you do look back, I hope you smile. But in this crazy time, I'll let you in on a little secret: You don’t have to have every single thing planned out. No one does.

We all start out winging it. You are not alone in this process. You will get that senior project done, finish that horrible term paper and walk out after the last exam, all in due time. You are going to be stressed trying to graduate and find a job, but it will come with time. These things don't happen over night. You have time.It may not be perfect, but it will get you to where you need to be. If you're unhappy, change it. Don’t ever settle. Don’t allow yourself to start panicking now. The secret no one tells you is that we are all just winging it. We are taking life day by day. We are making it up as we go.

Right now, I know you feel like life is speeding at 100 miles per hour, and you're overwhelmed. You're stressed. You're tired. Part of you is a little sad looking back to your freshman year when you just started. You find solace in the bittersweet memories of yourself growing up. Your early 20s are not easy. You feel like you have to have it all together, that you have to know exactly what you're doing and who you are. I promise you, that all comes with time and experience. Life is the best education you will get. Remember who you are, while you dream of who you want to become.

Unfortunately, these days won’t last. Part of you wants to get out as fast as you can, but the other part isn’t ready yet. And that’s perfectly okay. These contradictory feelings define senior year. So when life starts spinning, and you can’t catch your breath, it’s time to dance with your highest heels on, laugh so hard your fall off your bed, stay up late with your roommates, remember everyone makes mistakes and never ever quit.

The end of college might seem like a huge life chapter is coming to an end, but truly, it's the beginning of the rest of your life. Enjoy it and never take it for granted. Don’t try to slow it down, because you can’t. Try to go with the flow and go along with the ride. Don’t wish these days away because they will be gone forever. Love your education, the stress, your hard work and even all those hours spent studying. All these moments have not only made you who you are, but have prepared you for what is to come next.

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.

188039
 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

13539
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...

456833
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.

26004
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