It's senior year, and while I am a bit misty-eyed at the thought of moving on from the confines of my glorious university, there is a growing part of me that feels ready and excited for the next phase of my life. You may be ready for graduation if...
You are interested in finally making an income to support yourself.
Some people think they could do school forever, but I am slowly realizing that isn't me. It is frustrating having barely enough money to purchase books and groceries for the month or to cover your rent and electric bill. I work two jobs, but with a full course load and field work, it is tough to make enough money for little purchases. I am ready for a paycheck. That's not to say that I don't want to go to graduate school down the line, but i am excited to put my talents to productive use, contribute to society, and make a little dough in the process.
You are ready to say goodbye to university housing or college apartments.
Yes. Just yes. I am jazzed to get an apartment that does not leak with a bed that is a bit bigger than a shoebox. I look forward to carpet that does not smell like booze and furniture that is not "modular." My apartment has treated me well for these last two years of college, but I am ready to create my own space.
You are becoming increasingly passionate about your profession.
Every chance I get to be out in my field, I enjoy. I am studying to be a teacher, so field work is a huge component of my major. Writing lesson plans and teaching them are foundational skills that I get to practice when I am working in the classroom, and though it is a large learning curve, moving from student to teacher is becoming easier. I am passionate about education, and I am ready to be an educator.
You're academic work load is beginning to take a toll.
Burn out is real. So is senioritis. Being in school is a very valuable and formative experience, but it gets exhausting writing papers, studying for finals, reading a novel a week, etc. It is not my end goal to be a professional student, as much as I do love college.
Give me eight months, and I'll probably be wishing I were back in school. Time to live in the moment.
