I thought that the hardest part of being a fifth year senior would be watching all of my friends graduate, but it turns out the worst part is everything that happens afterwards. This isn’t to say that everything about staying another year is bad. It has its perks. I mean let’s face it, no one wants to grow up, but staying behind definitely has its struggles.

1. Having to explain to the people who thought you graduated that you didn’t actually graduate.

2. Trying to explain to the same people that not everyone does it in four years and that’s okay.

3. Awkwardly having to accept and return the graduation presents that you don't deserve yet.

4. Getting together with friends and having to listen to them talk about jobs when all you can say is that you’ve had a lot of homework lately...

5. Showing up to a party and having someone yell, “She doesn’t even go here!” Pipe down.

6. Having to backtrack out of the party to make sure you're at the right address. Why does everyone suddenly look like they're in high school?

7. Standing in the corner for the whole party searching the room for someone you know. ANYONE. Why didn't you make more friends last year??

8. Eventually giving up on even going to parties. What's so wrong with drinking a beer on the couch with your roommate?

9. Packing your lunch and eating it in class so you don’t have to face the cafeteria alone. At least this way you’re kind of eating with people.

10. Trying to get the squad back together for break before realizing that everyone has real jobs and you’re the only one on break.

11. Forcing yourself to look happy on the first day of school when people look at you and say, “Oh. You’re still here?”

12. Trying to figure out how to answer the question, “What year are you?” I mean what grade are we even in?

And finally the one that makes it all worth it:

13. Silently rejoicing in the fact that while all of your graduated friends are at work you’re still here, drinking on a Tuesday. Depressing? Not at all.

We have one sweet year of freedom left. So all you fifth year seniors raise your cups and cheers to the victory lap!