CRyder Design

As I moved into my dorm room 2 short years ago, I was certain that by the end of my college career I would have my future all figured out. I was under the assumption that everyone in college knew exactly what they wanted to do, where they wanted to go, and who they wanted to be. I quickly realized that this was not the case.

From a young age, I had the idea of success in the brain. I was what you could call an overachiever throughout my time in high school. I was in student government for 5 years, serving 2 years as vice-president. I was on the National Honor Society for 5 years, serving 1 year as vice-president. I held a part-time job, I tutored other students, and I made great grades. I won countless awards for math, science, art, and even graduated with mastery in math and science on my diploma. I was the valedictorian of my class and graduated with 32 college credits that could be transferred to the university of my choice. In my mind, I was setting the groundwork for my future, and the only way I thought that this was possible was to achieve success by any means.

After high school, I moved from New York to Connecticut to attend Quinnipiac University. I planned to study Graphic and Interactive Design, but I was offered a spot in the 3+1 Communications program which is an accelerated dual-degree program that allows you to get your Bachelor’s Degree in 3 years and your Master’s Degree in the following 1 year. Coming to school with the credits of a sophomore already a year into my program, and being on the accelerated track sped up my time at school significantly. Initially, I thought this was great, and I still do. But as a soon-to-be graduate, I wish I had a little more time to spend figuring myself out. I know where I want to go, what I want to do, and who I want to be, but I wish I was able to spend a little more time not knowing all of that. I wish I spent some more time exploring the unknown and developing my sense of self a little more.

After reading a similar article, “Confessions of A Soon-To-Be College Graduate” I was able to resonate with author Jordyn Jones’ words. “I wish someone had told me ‘adulting’ is not instantaneous. Instead of me trying to figure out the rest of my life in 7 months I should be enjoying the little bit of time I have left in college. I will never get these years back, from the long nights partying to the mid-day naps, I’m done taking those things for granted by being in a constant state of stress. I have the rest of my life to work and become an adult with actual responsibilities. Right now, I’m going to enjoy my cheap wine, my mid-day naps, and stick to playing adult and not actually completely being one right now.”

I spent so much of my time in college stressing about my future and trying to develop my professional platforms to be as perfect as I could make them. I wish I spent more time living in the moment and taking some time to breathe when I got the chance. The truth is, I can spend my whole life perfecting my professional persona. I could have spent so much time as a college student making the most of my early twenties and taking risks and potentially failing, but also being able to learn and grow from my mistakes to strengthen my own abilities.

Looking back, I don’t have any regrets. I am happy with all of the choices I’ve made, the failures and successes I’ve had, and all of the different things I’ve been able to experience in my first few years of total independence. So the question is, “Am I ready to take on the ‘real-world’?” I don’t know the answer to that exactly, but I’ll be able to figure it out in time.