I am restless.
I am ready to move out into the world.
If I wasn’t so hell bent on getting a double major, I could be doing just that right now (I only have one more requirement to graduate folks–my English senior seminar–and since I’ve already completed my history degree, I could have graduated this semester…if I wasn’t already so determined to get that English degree).
I head back to college on Tuesday and the idea of it makes me cringe a little bit.
Morris has been so good to me. I can’t imagine spending my four years of college anywhere else. I wouldn’t want to spend my four years of college anywhere else. It was a perfect stepping stone for me between the comforts I knew of living with my parents and being provided for, and the real world where I will become solely responsible for myself. I have learned so much at Morris–both inside and outside the classroom–and I have made lasting friendships.
My little school on the prairie will always hold a special place in my heart.
But, damn, I’m ready to go. Like, now.
Last night, I visited one of my high school friends at the apartment she recently moved in to and I felt even more of a yearning to be done with school. I’m eager to have a place to call my own. I’ve loved living on campus these last four years and I’ve learned so much during my three years of working for res life. I’m eager to get out of a residence hall setting, though.
I’ve been missing Washington D.C. like crazy lately and I know I need to go back there. I feel like I belong there more so than I’ve ever felt in the Twin Cities. I feel like I could easily call D.C. home…hell, it already is home…it became home this summer.
I know the “real world” will be filled with responsibilities that I don’t have now. I know how relaxed my life is now–even though I stay up way too late doing homework (though that is more a result of my procrastination than anything else) and am generally tired and over stressed during the semester, my life is pretty darn relaxed. I know it wont be once I have bills to pay, an apartment to clean, food to make for myself, and a job to go to on a daily basis.
I’m ready, though. I’m ready for a bit more of a challenge. I’m ready for all of that like I’ve never been before.
I’ve heard it said that your college years are the best years of life. I simply refuse to believe that.
There is so much more out there waiting for me past college. So many more opportunities to learn and grow. So many more years for adventure, for maintaining friendships and building up new ones, to love and to be loved, for really living as life should be lived–with open eyes and an open heart, a sense of appreciation for all that is and all that’s to come.
College has been such an amazing stepping stone for me. I’m unbelievably thankful for that. When graduation comes around in May though, I’ll be ready. I’ll be so ready to pick up my bags and greet the rest of my life with open arms.
In the meantime, I’m going to try my best to enjoy my last semester at Morris. No, I’m not that excited to go back, but I don’t want a bad attitude to get in the way of living in the present and appreciating all that I have waiting for me back at school while I still have it to go back to–friends who have become family, professors who care, and all the comforts that come with familiarity on my small little campus on the prairie.
In other news, I just applied for graduation. Shit just go real, peeps…and I couldn’t be more excited.
It's a Britta Bottle! 
I have flashbacks about my last semester of undergrad…I look back and I think that those were indeed the best days of my life because I had friends I lived with and partied with and dining halls that had food at my fingertips. I didn’t have to worry about cooking and everyone was young and having fun. Of course, there were the classes and the education I received that allowed my mind to grow and blossom. After college, you have to search out ways to learn more whereas during college it’s part of your everyday life. However, having said that, I can understand why you feel ready to graduate because after 4 years, you need and want a change. And I assure you that once you do get out on your own and graduate, you’ll experience many amazing things that will make you grow as well! I sound like a veteran but I’m a bit older than you 🙂 so I feel as if I can give some advice 🙂 I don’t want to sound preachy though!
Enjoy your last semester and enjoy everything that comes thereafter!
Cheers from NYC!
Lia
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I don’t think you’re being preachy at all, Lia! I always appreciate hearing other people’s perspectives.
I guess I know that post-college life is going to be a challenge, but I’m ready for it. It’ll be different and probably a little scary (okay, a lot scary) but I’m tired of school and ready to move on. I had a taste of the real world when I interned in D.C. this summer, so I kind of know what to expect, but it will certainly be different when it becomes a permanent lifestyle and not just a temporary summer internship kind of thing.
I will probably miss college when I’m done with it, so I do want to make the most of it while it lasts!
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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I know exactly how you feel. I too was in a position to graduate, but had to stick atound an extra semester for one class. Somedays I miss going to class and walking about campus, others I’m very glad to be finished and I have no plans of going back any time soon!! I remember I was so ready to be done with college my last couple of semesters. So hang in there, you’re nearly there!!!! 🙂
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Sometimes I get this irrational fear that I’m missing a class or two to graduate and I’ll have to stick around another semester to get those done…of course, I’m so on top of my class requirements that I know that’s actually not a problem. I’m just so ready to go!
Thanks for the comment and encouragement, Kati!
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I know the feeling! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful semester!
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I’m totally with you, Britta. The only thing keeping me from being absolutely miserable about going back this semester is that it’s the final one. It’s only three and a half months. We can do it.
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We can do it! We’re nearly there! Before we know it’ll, the semester will be over and we’ll be college graduates, which is kind of a little weird to think about…I’m ready, though!
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I can tell you that the college years are AMONG the best years of your life but you will have so many more amazing moments in your lifetime. It just keeps getting better. Of course, there are dark periods, but they serve to make the good moments that much brighter. Congratulations on your application for graduation! Your future is not too far off now.
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Thank you, Lisa! I’m very excited.
I know I will look back on college with much fondness–I really have had a wonderful time–but I’m also so looking forward to all that the future brings!
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